From Sussex to the New York Post: Why This Recognition Means So Much

When I launched Genuine Connections just over two years ago, I never imagined that one day I would be featured in the New York Post.

Yet this week, my story and dating advice were published by the New York Post and subsequently picked up by both AOL and Yahoo, reaching readers across the world.

As a relatively new business, it feels both surreal and incredibly rewarding.

Not because of the publicity itself, but because it shines a spotlight on something I feel passionately about every single day, helping single people find genuine, meaningful connections.

For years, I experienced the frustrations of dating myself.

Like many of my clients, I spent far too much time navigating dating apps, wondering why finding the right person felt so difficult. Those experiences ultimately led me to create Genuine Connections, a personalised matchmaking service for singles in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and the wider South East.

The article highlighted some of the key advice I share with clients every day.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is investing too much emotionally before they’ve actually met someone. It’s easy to build an idea of a person through messages, only to discover there isn’t a real-life connection when you finally meet. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for meeting sooner rather than later and keeping first dates simple and relaxed. A coffee and conversation can tell you far more than weeks of texting ever will.

The article also touched on something I regularly discuss with clients and that’s being willing to look beyond your usual “type.” If the same approach hasn’t delivered the relationship you want, sometimes the answer isn’t to try harder—it’s to try differently.

As a matchmaker, I have the privilege of meeting incredible people every week. I hear their stories, understand their values, learn what makes them laugh, what they’ve been through and what they’re hoping to find in a future partner. My role isn’t simply introducing two people who look good together on paper. It’s about understanding who they are at their core and helping them find someone whose life, values and personality genuinely complement their own.

That’s why this recognition means so much.

It isn’t just recognition for me personally. It feels like recognition for the thousands of singles who are choosing a different path. People who are tired of endless swiping, tired of feeling invisible online and ready to invest in something more personal, more intentional and more human.

Every successful introduction, every second date, every relationship that develops and every message from a client telling me they’re happy reminds me why I started this business in the first place.

To everyone who has supported Genuine Connections over the last two years—clients, friends, family, networking contacts and followers—thank you. Your encouragement, referrals and trust have helped this business grow far beyond what I imagined when I first started.

And whilst being featured in international publications is certainly a moment I’ll always be proud of, the real achievement remains exactly the same as it was on day one…

Helping good people find meaningful, lasting connections.

Because everyone deserves the chance to share their life with the right person.

Wishing you love,

Cath x

Your regular dose of genuine advice, real-world dating tips, and confidence-boosting reminders that love is never out of reach. Whether you’re diving back into dating or just dipping a toe, think of this space as your encouraging nudge, your friendly cheerleader, and your go-to guide for doing love the grown-up way.