Due to the nature of my job, I know a lot of people. I meet a lot of new people too. I guess I could be considered a hub in the wheel of various social networks. Need an inspector? I got that. An attorney? I got that too. A good pediatrician? Sure. How about someone that can give you a quality haircut? Yep, no problem. A reasonable dry cleaner? Of course.
I’ve never really thought of myself as a hub, but apparently I am. I have little spokes out all over the place connecting to other people. All of these little spokes have some value.
And during the past year or so I’ve had a few other people realize the value of my networks. You know how real estate agents are always asking for referrals for clients? Well I’ve started experiencing a new request from some of my friends and clients. They are asking me to give them dating referrals. Yes, that’s right, I’ve become a walking, talking Match.com.
I meet lots of new people. I guess the folks making these requests think I have some type of social screening mechanism that will help me “match” them. So they ask for referrals. The first time I was asked, I outright balked. No way. I’m not doing it. I’m not a matchmaker. Most of the people I meet are married. Leave me alone. But the pestering continued. “C’mon Amy, you meet a lot of new people that are moving here. The dating scene in the Hartford area is lame. You’re just helping everyone out.”
Sheesh. Talk about peer pressure. Okay, I will admit that I have actually given out a few dating referrals. But only under severe duress.
If for some reason you think it would be a good idea to start harassing me for dating contacts, you must abide by these rules:
1. No, I will not take a picture of the person for you so you can evaluate them first.
2. Only if the other person agrees to it, will I give any information.
3. All you will get from me is an email address if Rule 2 above is a go. The rest is on you.
4. No, I will not talk to you about your dates with the person.
5. If my referral does not work out, don’t blame me. You’re the one that wanted the referral in the first place and I didn’t really want to participate but you kept bugging me.
I guess the one positive that could come out of this is that if for some reason real estate stops working for me, I have a shot at being the next Chuck Woolery…
I would be worried that if I asked a real estate agent for matchmaking, I would get something along the lines of, “Oh, you two would be PERFECT for each other! I mean, you’re single, she’s single, and YOU BOTH LOVE DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY MID-CENTURY HOMES IN WALKABLE SUBURBS!!!”
It’s usually along the lines of “Well, Amy is helping them find or sell a house, so they must be gainfully employed and they’re staying in the area. She can also figure out if they like animals, hobbies, if they’re sociable or not…”
I think there may be reality show potential here someplace too….
The mind reels at the possibilities: “Blind Date: Extreme Makeover Edition” starts with Bob Vila standing in the dress section at Macy’s, holding a reciprocating saw and saying “we’re just going to make a few changes to this little number.” Then we cut to Norm Abrams over in men’s wear saying “for a first date, you want your best dressy flannel shirt. And, of course, work gloves and eye protection.” And it could get worse: “Date Hunters”; “Flip this Date.” No, no. We cannot let the reality TV people get a hold of this idea.