<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>The Local Match Co. — Blog</title><description>Insights on matchmaking, relationships, and building a business you believe in.</description><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/</link><language>en-us</language><item><title>The Local Match Co. Is Now Listed on BizBuySell — Here&apos;s What That Means for Prospective Operators</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/local-match-franchise-bizbuysell-listing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/local-match-franchise-bizbuysell-listing/</guid><description>Our matchmaking franchise opportunity is now live on BizBuySell, the largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US. Here&apos;s what the listing includes, what we&apos;re looking for, and how to take the next step.</description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The $2.5 Billion Matchmaking Market: Why Professional Introductions Are Growing While Dating Apps Decline</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/matchmaking-market-2026-dating-apps-decline/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/matchmaking-market-2026-dating-apps-decline/</guid><description>Dating app user numbers are falling for the first time since the swipe era began. Premium matchmaking is quietly growing. Here&apos;s the data behind the shift — and what it means for people thinking about building in this space.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Mental Health Cost of Dating Apps: What the Research Now Shows</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/mental-health-cost-dating-apps-research/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/mental-health-cost-dating-apps-research/</guid><description>A growing body of research links heavy dating app use to lower self-esteem, heightened anxiety, and body image distress. Here&apos;s what the studies actually found — and what it means for how you approach finding a partner.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>5 Qualities That Make a Great Matchmaking Franchise Operator</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/qualities-of-great-matchmaking-franchise-operator/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/qualities-of-great-matchmaking-franchise-operator/</guid><description>Opening a Local Match Co. franchise isn&apos;t about sales experience or a business background. Here&apos;s what actually predicts success in this work.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>What 40 Years of Relationship Science Actually Tells Us About Lasting Love</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/relationship-science-gottman-lasting-love/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/relationship-science-gottman-lasting-love/</guid><description>Dr. John Gottman spent four decades studying thousands of couples. His findings upend almost everything pop psychology tells us about relationships — and reveal why compatibility is far more nuanced than any algorithm can measure.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>What to Expect from Your First Professional Matchmaking Consultation</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/what-to-expect-matchmaking-consultation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/what-to-expect-matchmaking-consultation/</guid><description>If you&apos;ve never worked with a matchmaker before, the first conversation can feel uncertain. Here&apos;s exactly what happens in a Local Match Co. intake consultation — and how to get the most out of it.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Why Dating Apps Are Failing Professionals Over 35</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/why-dating-apps-fail-professionals/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/why-dating-apps-fail-professionals/</guid><description>Swipe fatigue is real. Here&apos;s why the app model fundamentally doesn&apos;t work for accomplished professionals — and what actually does.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Our Founder Has Been a Matchmaker for 25 Years. Here&apos;s Why He&apos;s Finally Opening This Up to Other Cities.</title><link>https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/ive-been-a-matchmaker-for-25-years/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.thelocalmatch.com/blog/ive-been-a-matchmaker-for-25-years/</guid><description>After 25 years running Pittsburgh&apos;s premier matchmaking service, The Local Match Co. explains why the moment is right to bring professional matchmaking to cities across the country.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>