Carrie Daichman isn’t a big fan of Internet dating. She prefers introductions made by someone who knows something about the person.
And that’s where she comes in. She’s the owner of It Takes 2, a locally owned and operated service with the goal of creating an environment for its clients to meet Richmond area individuals who share the same values, attitudes, and relationship goals.
She founded the company in 1998, although she’s worked in dating services for 14 years.

For many years she managed eight offices for a dating service with offices in Michigan and Virginia. Single herself, Daichman said, “We do for others what we don’t do for ourselves.” What that is, is make a relationship a priority. She noted that people have personal trainers, cleaning services, and accountants. “Why not someone for finding a relationship?” Daichman asked. “I guess you could call me a real-life cupid,” she said. “I’m an old fashioned matchmaker in a modern day world.” This cupid makes her client’s social life her full-time job, so the client can continue to do the things he or she loves while Daichman plays matchmaker.
She meets with each of her clients, which greatly adds to her success rate. “It’s truly personalized,” she said. “I get to know my clients.
That is absolutely imperative.” “Computers are great,” she added, “but they don’t have an intuitive sense. They don’t have a heart.” She also avoids videos because they often come across as staged.

“It’s as if you are selecting more on a person’s acting ability.” Like an old-fashioned matchmaker, Daichman meets withher clients and then makes matches based on profiles. She serves as a neutral third party who brings the individuals together. “My service ismuch like a headhunter,” she said.
“I listen to my clients and then I search to find the profile of who they want to meet.” She asks a series of questions, including about the person’s past dating history, their personality traits, and the traits they want in a mate. “An important part of the process is to be introspective about their past relationships,” Daichman said. She is a skilled listener, who often identifies where things went wrong in a past relationship. Just taking the step to call It Takes 2 says something. “It speaks volumes about a person’s emotional readiness to meet someone,” Daichman said.

“It’s different than just looking on the Internet.” She noted, “If a person isn’t emotionally available, that person sets himself up for failure.” The first time Daichman meets with a her an idea of whether she will be able to assist the person. She goes over what the person wants and what their short- and long-term goals are with respect to dating. She talks to the person about religion, their interests, and smoking preferences among other things.

“People express their fears and disappointments about dating,” she said. “I make them feel comfortable and that allows me to learn about them to find them a match.” From there she develops two personality types that might work for the person. The types are similar to the Myers-Briggs personality test. She also photographs the person. what they find attractive, too,” she adds. She screens all of her clients and protects their anonymity. “I’m very discreet,” Daichman said. “A person’s personal life should be kept personal.” Once she has the information, she culls through her database of thousands of names to find matches and then arranges for a date. “I don’t micromanage the date,” she said. “I tell them that the first date is to determine if they want a second date.” “They’re out there to make a new friend and to let things evolve naturally,” she added. After each introduction, the client provides feedback to help Daichman in her matchmaking. “I’m also always here for them to talk about their experience,” she said.
The feedback surveys are like her report card. Daichman’s definition of success is based on what her clients’ goals are. She does note that she is averaging two to three marriages a month. On the other hand, she said that for every success story, she loses two clients. With the Richmond market doing well, Daichman is expanding to Charlottesville and Williamsburg. She also is considering Northern Virginia. Another goal is to offer single events on a regular basis. She has a book filled with feedback sheets, photos of engaged and married couples, and thank you notes for the introductions.

One couple found love a second time, marrying in their 70s. Another couple sent her flowers on their anniversary. And that’s the best part of this cupid’s job. “I love transforming lives,” she said. “Finding love absolutely transforms one’s life.” To find your match, contact It Takes 2 at 967-9911 or on the Web at www. ittakes2online.com.
ITM Photo by Expre ssions