Heather Robinson of Time Out New York

Heather Robinson of Time Out New York writes:

At this straightforward dating service, owner Fay Goldman first conducts anhour-long interview that includes questions about a prospective client’s education, career, lifestyle, and qualities desired in a partner. Goldman then personally sifts through her client roster (consisting of hundreds of people) to try to make a match. Clients are guaranteed their first match within two weeks of joining.

Goldman maintains that she is choosy about whom she accepts as clients. Despite my offer to interview over the phone and send her a picture of myself, Goldman would not pair me with anyone until I met her at her office, a tasteful midtown suite. Her questions were reasonable and direct. (“Do you come from a close family?”, “Do you prefer tall or short men?”).

I soon realized Goldman does her homework. The two men I met through her service fit my profile. The first, a corporate executive, had curly, dark hair and striking blue eyes. On our first date, we went downtown to Kiev, where we shared borsht and discussed our immigrant ancestors. For our second meeting, we ate dessert at the St. Regis. Unfortunately, he had this annoying habit of talking about beautiful women he knew. Call me insecure, but it was a turnoff. The other guy, a cute, athletic-looking stockbroker, also took me to some nice places, including a highbrow charity function at an art gallery. Too bad he had a brusque, serious quality. Neither man was my soul mate, but it was pleasant to meet guys who actually seemed interested in finding a relationship. And the membership cost pretty much ensured that I didn’t meet paupers — always a plus.”