You have done the soul searching, you have built a career, you have even worked on healing past wounds, and you feel like you are finally ready for “The One.” But being ready for marriage is not just about mindset; it is also about practical preparation. This is where a matchmaker can play an unexpected yet pivotal role. For Black singles, particularly those who value personal growth, a matchmaker often does double duty as a relationship coach, helping you become the best version of yourself before you say, “I do.”Reflecting on Past Patterns: A good matchmaker will start by getting a deep sense of your dating history, not to pry, but to identify patterns that might sabotage a future marriage. Perhaps you tend to choose partners who aren’t emotionally available, or you realise you have been hesitant to be vulnerable. Matchmakers skilled in working with Black clients often recognise cultural and personal patterns. For instance, some Black men and women have shared that they felt pressure to appear “strong” and not show hurt, a trait that can hinder emotional intimacy. By bringing these patterns to light, your matchmaker helps you break cycles that do not serve you. Consider it a personalised therapy session mixed with actionable dating advice.Skill-Building for Healthy Relationships: Are you good at communication? Do you know how to compromise without feeling like you are losing something? These are skills vital for marriage. Matchmakers frequently provide resources or even one coaching in areas like communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. They might role play difficult conversations with you or give homework (for example, reading a chapter from a relationship book and discussing it). A Black matchmaker might also incorporate culturally relevant advice, say, how to navigate being in a relationship that might not fit some family expectations, or dealing with external stressors like racial bias as a couple. By honing these skills while you’re single or newly dating, you’re essentially training for marriage. So, when you do meet “The One,” you are not fumbling through basic relationship skills; you’re ready to apply them.Building a Vision of Marriage: Matchmakers often ask clients to articulate their vision of a happy marriage. It is not a question we ask ourselves every day. They may prompt you: What does a day in your married life look like? How do you and your spouse support each other goals? How do you divide responsibilities? Envisioning these things helps you and your matchmaker clarify what kind of partner would complement that picture. If your vision includes a bustling household full of kids and regular family reunions, the “One” for you might be very different than someone whose vision is a quiet life as a power couple without children. Black matchmakers understand the nuances here – for example, if leaving a legacy and giving back to the community is part of your vision (something many Black couples prioritise), they will seek a match who shares that purpose. By defining your future marriage, you indirectly define what you’re looking for in a spouse.By the time you are introduced to a highly compatible match, you have essentially been groomed for success. Think of it like an athlete training before the championship game. Sure, love has its mysterious, unplannable aspects, but being prepared means you can handle those with grace. Janine, a client of one matchmaking firm, said it best: “My matchmaker got me marriage fit. By the time I met my husband, I knew how to communicate, and I knew what I wanted us to be.”So, are you ready for marriage? If you are not sure, a matchmaker (and the self work you do with them) can be the bridge between wanting a great marriage and being ready to live one. It is like having a personal trainer for your love life, one who understands where you are coming from and where you dream to go. If you are eager to be fully prepared for “The One,” do not leave it to chance. Book your Relationship Readiness Audit today, and let make sure you are truly ready when that life changing love knocks on your door.Relationship Readiness AuditIf you like more guidance on how to be ready for a lasting relationship, our Relationship Readiness Audit will be helpful to you. click here to book your session.Read More