MILLIONAIRE SEEKING WIFE: Local matchmakers are sprucing up their services to cater to the city's singles.

• Author: Beers, Heather

SO... DATING.

Who doesn't want a first date that unfolds like a rom-com meet-cute, with fireworks, falling stars, and theme music underscoring the magical happy-ever-after that is sure to ensue?

But that happens... almost never? Dating as a full-fledged adult can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be complicated and frustrating. Perhaps one of the hardest parts is--let's just break it down into sales terminology-finding quality leads.

Where do you find people you're actually compatible with, that you want to introduce to family, that won't drive you abso-freaking-lutely crazy? Work? The bar scene? Online dating?

Worldwide, a lot of people are turning to tech in hopes of finding the one. And by a lot, we mean 94 million users, with online dating generating over $3 billion in revenue, according to Statista. In the US, revenue is over $670 million, and there are over 6 million users on the service. And according to eHarmony, 40 percent of Americans use online dating and 20 percent of current committed relationships began online.

Encouraging stats ... but a little caution may be in order. eHarmony also shares that 53 percent of people lie in their online dating profile. And "online dating" applies to algorithm-based matchmaking, which includes everything from the swipe left/swipe right hook-up apps to digital services designed to connect long-term partners. So it's important to be intentional about which service suits your current dating objectives.

Personally, I met my (amazing) husband back in college, so I can't weigh in here. But I have friends who have had success finding long-term partners online. I have others who have kept us laughing (and crying) until late at night as they recounted the horrors of online dating. So ... are there any other options for those looking for help in finding partners?

How about good ol' fashioned matchmakers-reinvented with the confluence of technology and trained relationship coaches? Welcome to the world of modern matchmaking.

MATCHMAKING TODAY

I'll admit--I hear the word "matchmaker" and I can't help but picture a hunched Yente from Fiddler on the Roof assigning questionable pairings. Or the Bravo network's The Millionaire Matchmaker, where high-net-worth dating played out in full HD drama. But beyond the stereotypes, there's a thriving professional matchmaking industry that is helping couples find each other, with significant success.

Consumer Affairs' ranking of top professional matchmaking...