As dating apps show their shortcomings, Boston-area matchmakers are busier than ever

By the time the pandemic struck, Veena was ready for a change in her love life. The Boston-based 34-year-old was recently out of a long-term relationship. She had given

the dating app Hinge a shot, but with her busy career as a pediatric dentist, “it’s not easy for me to engage in all of the incoming info, from swiping or responding and setting

up things,” she said. “It’s hard to figure out if this person on this app is actually in the same stage of life as you and ready to meet someone.” So right before the

pandemic, Veena (who asked that her last name not be published) signed up with Three Day Rule, a matchmaking service with a Boston branch. In the summer of 2020, Three Day Rule

set her up on a date with Bryan, a consultant. They walked around the Charles River and dined at a Back Bay restaurant. The rest, as they say, is history — the couple wed last

March. During the thick of the pandemic, COVID-era restrictions caused apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge to surge in popularity as people tried their hand at Zoom dating.

But even though the dating world is now (somewhat) back to normal, many singles still feel off their game: More than 60 percent say dating is harder than before COVID-19,

according to the Pew Research Center.