A fresh introduction to finding love

City News - Issue 41 - 27 May 2004
TAKE THE PLUNGE
WORDS: ALISON SANDY

Brianne and Russell met through a dating agency and neither is ashamed to admit it.

Both are attractive, intelligent, genuine and totally comfortable with finding love via what some consider unconventional means.

"It was getting to the stage I got sick and tired of going to nightclubs," Russell said. "In a busy job in a busy city, it's hard to meet people."

Russell, 36, was in his 20s when he started going to You and I Introductions in the city. He also tried the Internet, but was uncomfortable with the uncertainty of never knowing who was on the other end.

But he struck gold at the agency when he met Brianne.

Brianne, 32, runs You and I Introductions, but didn't start to date Russell until he was off the books. And while she has successfully matched up more than 100 couples, she had no idea she had finally met her match.

"I always liked Russell ... he was a lovely person to deal with in relation to this concept," she said.



Although Russell also liked Brianne instantly, he felt awkward about asking her out because he thought clients would say they wanted soemone like her all the time.

Eventually it was Brianne who asked Russell out for coffee two months after he was no longer her client.

"I was attracted to Brianne the first day I saw her," Russell said. "When she invited me for a coffee, I was thinking she did that with other people, but she didn't.

"We had lunch at the casino and two hours later we were still talking and wondering where the time had gone."

Russell often gets asked how he and Brianne met.

"I'm quite proud of it. There's still a fear to say I met my partner through a dating agency, but that's a sensible way to do it.

"I always said I'd marry my best friend - the thing I've found with Brianne is she's become my best friend. I feel complete when I'm with her."


UP CLOSE: Brianne and Russell found each other at a dating agency
MEET MARKET

TOP FIVE DATING TIPS
(courtesy of You & I Introductions)

1 - Don't overanalyse every detail. Take deep breaths. Relax.

2 - Drop your professional persona. Laugh, flirt, even tease a little.

3 - Don't steer the situation, see where it leads you.

4 - Go with your gut instincts and make a move.

5 - Do something fun and laugh a lot. Act as though your date was an old friend.

For more information about You & I Introductions, phone 3221 5733