I get a text from one of my best friends yesterday saying, "I think you should ditch OKCupid and go to a matchmaker." My first instinct is (perhaps ironically?): No. Way. For a number of reasons, really. I'm generally against paying to date. It also feels a little weird to not get to pick the guys yourself? Not that I have a great track record. In fact, I don't message men on OKCupid because the few guys I've been out with that I've messaged first, I haven't liked. So I feel it's usually easier to have them come to you. My friend informs me that it's usually free for women. And only for people looking for serious long term relationships (and therefore, she won't do it with me).
She sends me the link to two websites: Amylaurent.com and Clubviplife.com. Now, objectively speaking, Amy Laurent sounds more my speed than Club VIP Life. For maybe obvious reasons. Amy Laurent sounds like a matchmaker. Club VIP Life sounds like people who club and want/have a VIP lifestyle. So I start clicking through Amy's website. And go to the Ladies Application form (just out of curiosity). It all seems pretty standard. Amy informs the applicant that this is a prescreen, first-round part of the application and she'll contact us if she feels like we're a viable dating candidate. When she starts asking for my bodily measurements, I decide that this is probably not the way it's going to happen for me. I click through the gentleman's application and am a little peeved that she doesn't ask for any measurements.
So maybe Club VIP Life is the way to go? I am generally less offended by Club VIP Life's website. They also omit "Club" from their title so the website really should be called VIP Life. Which, while not ideal, is still better.
Though I have to admit I'm curious that women don't get charged. Are we inherently looking for sugar daddies who can pay exorbitant fees to date us? Does Amy Laurent and Club VIP Life take every man who applies/can pay (because finding one who has money and is interested in a LTR that hard to come by?)?
Club VIP Life puts it like this: "VIP Life Membership is always free to woman of substance, style and beauty who are looking for a serious relationship with the man of their dreams."
Amy is not so nice about it: "Please fill out the application in its entirety and submit along with one recent photo. If we feel we may be able to place you within our network, we will contact you for an in-person interview."
However the men get:
Club VIP Life: "If you'd like to get started immediately, we welcome your call. You can reach us at 212 242 4755. We are available to speak to you about your needs and answer any questions. Or, if you prefer, please submit an online application and we will contact you as soon as possible to further determine your needs and what you're looking for in a mate."
Amy: "We are pleased to extend to you our confidential application to be part of what has become the most exclusive private club of highly eligible singles. Please complete the form below and one of our staff will contact you."
Now, I suppose it's fair to say that matchmaking is a old fashioned practice and so I shouldn't be surprised at this double standard. And I'm a general believer that men should pay for the first date. But isn't this a little extreme? I'm not sure this kind of matchmaking is for anyone besides investment bankers looking to meet models. And probably not me.
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