The Dating Game: TalkinG Blood, Swipe & Tears T H E
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Love coach Karenna Alexander guides clients through the Match Game hellscape. | By Mitch Rustad
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n these turbulent times, more and more people are seeking therapists, life coaches, support groups and gurus to bolster their mental health. And for those looking for love, the search can seem especially daunting. The sheer number and scope of dating apps—swipe left, swipe right, on and on and on—can be overwhelming. As a certified life coach myself, I notice that most people just want to be happier, more joyful and fulfilled. Part of that for many, of course, includes finding romance, love connections and ultimately that dream partner. But according to love and dating coach Karenna Alexander—a certified matchmaker who’s been helping people find
their ideal partner for more author of A Woman’s Guide To Understanding Men: than a decade-and-a-half— Dating Secrets Most Women finding love is an inside job. Don’t Know, “and it’s often “Self-love is a big thing,” because they’re giving too says Alexander, who works much, too soon and not with clients throughout the having healthy boundaries.” Hudson Valley, New York choice words Alexander suggests the City, Connecticut and even “I’m big on the idea of choosing happiness,” following if you’re hitting internationally via Zoom, Alexander says of a romantic snag: “Give the phone or even text message modern-day dating. person space, try to avoid sessions. “The lack of it often nagging, bossing or telling prevents people from finding them what to do and put the focus on love. That’s why coaching can be really helpful.” Ironically, it was her own romantic yourself.” But how does looking for love troubles that led the former journalist and involve a focus on yourself? “I’m big on public relations exec to pursue her rather the idea of choosing happiness, because unconventional profession. it’s an important choice I make every day,” “I had dating problems of my own and I Alexander says. “That means striving to be read books and had some great mentors, and your higher self and choosing to focus on that really helped me,” Alexander says. “I had happiness now, no matter what.” this problem, and I solved it and that made Alexander warns of buying into the me want to help others. It’s a real passion.” idea of a partner who’s seemingly got it all: Is there a common denominator most “Stop seeking this fantasy of perfection, of her lovelorn clients share? “Many people that’s one way to self-sabotage,” she says. come to me because they’re getting hurt, “My first goal with clients is for them to and don’t know what to do,” says Alexander, find someone who treats them right.”
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