MARIA AVGITIDIS is the CEO of Agape Match, an award-winning matchmaking service based out of New York City, and the host of the dating and relationship podcast Ask a Matchmaker. Maria combines strong intuition with matchmaking methodology to leverage each client's unique personality, style, and history. Their love stories are a testament to how Maria has transformed matchmaking utilizing behavioral science and the unique know-how gained through her matchmaking inheritance. Better known as Matchmaker Maria, she has many theories to help people navigate dating, such as her green theory featured on CBS Mornings or her Stanley Tucci theory featured in The New York Times. Her 12-Date Rule method has helped thousands of couples enter committed relationships.

"Blunt, funny, and actually helpful, Avgitidis could be the last dating expert you'll ever need."
-Bustle

"Maria is the sane and loving but realistic friend or auntie that you want at your side as you sort out the practical landscape of dating. Her book forces readers to reckon with their fantasies about love and relationships and provides the practical and realistic guidance we need to make decisions about relationships that are about growth, companionship, collaboration, respect, and yes - fun. If you follow her well-honed guidance from years in the matchmaking trenches, you can steer clear of some of the toxic potholes on the road to a healthy committed relationship."
-Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., Psychologist and New York Times Bestselling Author of It's Not You: Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Relationships

"Ask a Matchmaker is one of my favorite books to hit the market in years. This book combines science and academia with insights only a fourth generation matchmaker would have. The result is a book that makes you laugh, makes you feel empowered, and inspires you to find love."
-Melissa Hobley, CMO of Tinder

"Matchmaker Maria gets it. And it's all about a perspective that self proclaimed dating experts don't have. What most people don't know is that a matchmaker gets reports back after every date from all of their matches that work and don't work. Maria has a knowledge of what actually matters to people in dating and she's the best at communicating that to her following. You're going to love this book!"
-Jared Freid, comedian and host of the U Up? podcast

"Maria Avgitidis has created something truly special with Ask a Matchmaker. Her ability to weave personal stories with professional expertise is masterful. Every chapter feels like you're sitting across from her, having a heartfelt conversation about love, life, and finding the right person. What moved me most is how Maria turns the often overwhelming process of dating into actionable, relatable advice. Her anecdotes are not just stories--they're lessons that empower you to make better decisions for yourself. This book is a gift to anyone ready to pick their person and build a lasting connection."
-Paul Brunson, author of It's Complicated (But It Doesn't Have to Be)

Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials

Pub date: 2025-05-20

Length: 336 pages