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This article was published 6/2/2013 (3435 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
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MATT PREPROST
Lianne Tregobov, who has run Camelot Introductions for 18 years, warns those going on first dates this Valentine’s Day to avoid going for dinner or coffee. “Those are interrogations,” she says.
If January’s resolution is to lose weight, then February’s is to find love.
It’s no surprise, then, that professional matchmaker Lianne Tregobov is juggling several calls while speaking with this writer before a flight out of town last week.
"Business is crazy busy right now," said Tregobov, who for the past 18 years has run Camelot Introductions, located at 1744 Ness Ave.
"When people have spent the holiday, any holiday, even a long weekend, alone, they motivate themselves to make change.
"If you fall down and don’t get up you’ll be in the same spot tomorrow. If you’re single and don’t take steps to find somebody you will be in the same spot tomorrow as well."
Tregobov manages some 1,500 different clients across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, northwestern Ontario and North Dakota. Tregobov meets her clients face to face before setting up matches — even turning away some — and because of this, says she has successfully matched hundreds of couples, many of whom eventually get married.
"People who meet me are putting their heart on the table and saying ‘make it feel wonderful,’" she said.
"But people have to be realistic and relationship ready and offer what they expect."
For those taking the first date plunge this Valentine’s Day, Tregobov has two simple rules: no dinner and no coffee.
"Those are interrogations," she said.
"Go bowling, go mini-golfing; go do anything where you can break the ice and relax, and have fun.
"If it’s not successful, at least you had fun."
Tregobov, whose motto is "beyond the bar and before the legion," says looks are only skin deep. If you can find three good things about a person during a date, give them a second one. Keep dating as long as you keep learning good things.
"Dating, once you’re mature, cannot be superficial, instant hubba-hubba, fireworks and sparks. It needs to be a friendship that catches on fire and evolves," she said.
"Or else, just as quickly as it’s amazing, it will come crashing down. You need to be best of friends first."
Tregobov works with adults from their mid-to-late ‘20s to those in their ‘80s. She has even seen a 91-year-old client get married.
Technology has interrupted the dating process, she says. Many people fearing the anonymity, dangers and disappointment of online dating turn to her for more successful matches because of her rigorous process, which includes a criminal record check.
"You get to a certain age where your options are far different," Tregobov said.
"A lot of professionals use accountants to do their taxes, real estate agents to sell them homes, and love hunters to help them find love.
"And I’m a love hunter," she said.
For more on Camelot, visit www.camelotintroductions.com or call 204-888-1529.
matt.preprost@canstarnews.com
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