Compatibility
What Compatibility Means When Two People Define It Differently
Understand relationship compatibility by clarifying what each person means, comparing everyday expectations and…
The journal
All articles
Explore the ideas behind compatibility, preferences, introductions, conversation and match culture. Each piece takes one question at a time and leaves room for individual judgment.
Preferences
Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves: Making a Preference List Work
A must-haves and nice-to-haves list can clarify what matters in a partner while leaving room for a real person to…
Match Culture
Before the Profile Card: How Matchmaking Framed a Good Pairing
Explore how matchmaking descriptions changed from local introductions to personal profiles, and learn to read each…
Conversation
The Shared-Interest Shortcut Can Miss the Conversation
Shared interests can start a dating conversation; learn how to explore what a pastime means and see whether your ideas…
Introductions
A First Introduction, Without the Interview Feel
Plan a first introduction with a clear setting and a simple way to make decisions, so both people can feel at ease and…
Our point of view
A match is more than a matching score
The language of compatibility can help people start a conversation, but it cannot tell the whole story. We look at the ideas and choices behind matchmaking, with room for nuance and individual difference.