If you are fortunate to have astute friends or family members, welcome their suggestions for possible dates. Shadchanim may be professional matchmakers, but there is nothing to beat getting a tip from someone who knows you and cares about you. Always query “what makes you think this is a good idea?”, but listen to the response with respect and attentiveness.

Someone who has got to know both parties, is in the best possible position to sense whether it could be a good fit. The problem is that so often we struggle to take our friends and family seriously, giving more credence to the view of strangers. When it comes to dating, that would be a big mistake.

That was just in brief, now let’s go deeper Into things…

• A suggestion from a shadchan is not the only way to find a shidduch.