Matchmaking can be a deeply satisfying activity; a combination of taking a risk and doing a good deed. Successful matchmakers are usually shameless networkers, and they should judge carefully whether they tell one, both or neither that they are being set up.

Never make the mistake of matching like with like too minutely - if the chosen two are too perfectly matched and similar, there might be no friction, and therefore no spark.

Resist the temptation to manage the match; once the couple have been introduced and the initial feedback given, the two should be left to get on with it.

If you yourself are being matchmade, don't trust your parents; it is highly unlikely that you and they are looking for the same things in your prospective partner.

If you allow yourself to be matched, don't then get huffy when things don't work out.

If at first a matchmaker doesn't succeed for you, don't despair - there are hundreds of matchmaking services online, just waiting to match you to your perfect mate.

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