How Prenups Are Redefining Millennial and Gen-Z Relationships

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

A recent article in Vogue highlights the rising trend of millennials and Gen-Z couples considering prenuptial agreements, which are no longer seen as just a safeguard for the wealthy but as practical tools for setting clear financial and life goals. If you're curious about how a prenup might fit into your future, here are three key takeaways from the piece—and some proactive steps to help guide your next steps:

1. Prenups Foster Transparency and Honest Conversations
   A prenup encourages couples to discuss finances, family planning, and long-term goals before tying the knot.
   Proactive Step: Set aside time for an open, honest conversation about your financial situation, goals, and expectations for the future—whether it’s how to handle debt or your approach to career changes after marriage. Make sure you're both aligned and comfortable with the discussion.

2. Prenups Simplify Divorce and Protect Future Interests
   While no one wants to think about divorce, a prenup can reduce stress, legal fees, and conflict if that happens. It protects not just your assets today, but also any future acquisitions or interests.
   Proactive Step: Research your state’s divorce laws and consider whether they align with your vision for asset division or debt management. If not, a prenup might be a worthwhile tool to customize your financial protections.

3. Prenups Are a Practical and Growing Trend
   With divorce rates around 50%, many couples are proactively signing prenups—not just for asset protection, but to ensure mutual understanding and clear boundaries. New online tools make creating a prenup more affordable and accessible than ever.
   Proactive Step: Explore online platforms like HelloPrenup or consult with a family law attorney to understand the process and costs. If you feel a prenup could benefit your relationship, take the first step toward creating one sooner rather than later.

By proactively addressing these topics, you not only safeguard your individual futures but also strengthen your relationship by setting clear expectations and fostering open communication from the start.

2025: The Year to Reimagine Your Love Life with Purpose and Clarity

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

As the calendar flips to January 1, 2025, it’s the perfect time to recalibrate — not just for your career, health, or personal growth, but also in your approach to love. If you’re an accomplished, well-educated professional who’s feeling disillusioned with the dating world, you’re not alone. Many of my clients have the same frustration: you want a meaningful, long-term relationship, but sometimes it feels like the right connection is just out of reach.

However, the new year offers a unique opportunity for a shift in perspective. Instead of letting past disappointments or unmet expectations weigh on you, why not embrace this fresh start as a chance to fine-tune your approach to love? In 2025, think of this as a year to focus on preparing yourself — mentally, emotionally, and physically — for the kind of relationship you truly want.

1. Resolution #1: Develop Emotional Intelligence for Better Connection

One of the most powerful resolutions you can make in 2025 is to hone your emotional intelligence (EI). While traditional resolutions may focus on career goals or fitness, emotional intelligence plays a vital role in creating strong, lasting relationships. Research consistently shows that individuals with higher EI — the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others — are more likely to form healthy, sustainable partnerships.

According to The Gottman Institute, emotional intelligence is crucial for managing conflict, creating empathy, and maintaining intimacy in long-term relationships. As you embark on the dating journey this year, resolve to become more aware of your emotional responses and practice empathy in your interactions. This can involve everything from active listening to recognizing emotional triggers and communicating more openly about your needs and desires.

Emotionally intelligent individuals tend to approach relationships with a sense of emotional maturity, making it easier to navigate challenges and build deeper connections. This year, focus on becoming more emotionally attuned to yourself and others — it will significantly enhance your ability to connect with potential partners on a meaningful level.

2. Resolution #2: Shift from “When Will I Find the Right One?” to “How Can I Attract the Right One?”

If you’ve spent the last few years waiting for love to find you, this year is an opportunity for a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on when or how love will arrive, ask yourself: What steps can I take to align myself with the type of relationship I truly desire?

Research by Harvard University suggests that people who focus on personal growth and self-awareness tend to form stronger, more lasting relationships. By clarifying your own values, desires, and relationship goals, you’ll be better equipped to attract a partner who shares your vision for the future. The key is to work on becoming the best version of yourself so that you can attract a partner who resonates with your emotional, intellectual, and spiritual qualities.

Think of it like this: the more emotionally healthy and self-aware you are, the more likely you are to attract someone who values those same traits. So, make 2025 the year you invest in your emotional well-being, improving how you relate to yourself and others — this will naturally set the stage for the kind of love you seek.

3. Resolution #3: Cultivate Patience, Not Pressure

The pressure to find love can feel overwhelming, especially as time goes by. However, rushing into relationships out of a fear of being alone or a desire to meet expectations can lead to dissatisfaction or poor compatibility. Instead of focusing on the ticking clock, resolve to practice patience in 2025.

The Gottman Institute's research shows that couples who take time to build a foundation of trust and understanding before making long-term commitments tend to have more lasting relationships. This means allowing connections to evolve naturally and not forcing timelines or outcomes. It’s okay to take things slow and explore chemistry without putting pressure on yourself or your partner to be perfect from the start.

Patience allows you to discover more about yourself and your potential partner, rather than jumping too quickly into something that may not align with your long-term goals. If you let go of the pressure to “find someone now,” you free yourself to make more intentional, thoughtful choices that will ultimately lead to a better match.

4. Resolution #4: Expand Your Social Circles and Dating Platforms

One of the best ways to refresh your approach to dating in 2025 is to expand your horizons. If you’ve been relying on the same few dating apps or social circles, this is the year to try new things and meet different people. Research from University of Chicago shows that singles who broaden their social networks are more likely to form deeper, more meaningful connections.

Consider attending events aligned with your passions, or joining a matchmaking service that specializes in helping high-achieving professionals find compatible partners. Broaden your scope geographically if needed — sometimes, love can be found in unexpected places or cities where your ideal match may be.

This year, be open to opportunities to meet new people organically, through professional networking, social gatherings, or even hobbies and travel. The more you diversify your approach to dating, the more likely you are to connect with someone who aligns with your values and goals.

5. Resolution #5: Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations and Embrace Optimism

It’s natural to have standards, but in 2025, it’s essential to recognize that perfection doesn’t exist. Many of us spend so much time searching for a partner who ticks every box that we miss the potential for true connection. Research from Yale University has found that couples who approach their relationship with realistic expectations and a growth mindset are more successful in the long term.

Instead of waiting for someone to meet a perfectly curated checklist, focus on the compatibility of your core values, shared life goals, and emotional connection. Embrace the process of discovering each other’s flaws and strengths with an open heart. Love often flourishes when two people support each other’s growth, imperfections and all.

6. Resolution #6: Set Boundaries and Know What You Want

Clarity is essential when seeking love. Set boundaries that align with your personal values and communicate them early on. If you’re seeking a committed, long-term partnership, it’s important to let potential partners know your intentions from the start. Studies show that individuals who are transparent about their relationship goals are more likely to build a connection with someone who shares those same values.

The Gottman Institute also emphasizes the importance of shared meaning and mutual respect in long-term relationships. By being clear about your expectations, values, and emotional needs, you help create a foundation of trust and understanding that can support a lasting relationship.

Conclusion: 2025, The Year of Emotional Growth and Intentional Connection

As you step into 2025, take this opportunity to approach love with a renewed sense of purpose. Focus on emotional intelligence, patience, and self-awareness as part of your overall growth — not just for your career, but for your heart. By setting thoughtful resolutions that align with your true desires and values, you can create the space for the kind of relationship you truly want.

The new year offers endless possibilities for personal growth and connection. As you work on yourself, embrace new experiences, and set healthy boundaries, you’ll find that the love you seek will be drawn to you with clarity and purpose.

Wishing you a year of transformation, emotional clarity, and meaningful love in 2025! 

Affectionally yours,

Amy 

DateSpot Interview for Matchmakers- Amy Andersen

Photo by: Annie Barnette

Interview By: Carla Swiryn , CEO & Founder of DateSpot

A Note from Amy Andersen: I was thrilled to reconnect with my esteemed colleague and dear friend, Carla Swiryn, for a written interview to shed light on the partnership between Linx Dating and DateSpot (DS).

With some of our clientele intersecting, and other potential clients clearly better suited to one of us, we've forged a harmonious referral relationship where Linx caters to the high end of the market as DateSpot offers matchmaking that is more accessible to the masses. Our collaboration thrives by ensuring that everyone can receive meticulous attention.

This interview delves into the inner workings of my business, sheds light on the dynamics of the matchmaking industry in general, reveals some of the keys to my own marriage success, and highlights numerous experiences I have had with singles navigating the dating landscape.

If you're interested in DateSpot's affordable, pay-per-match process, check it out here and add Amy at Linx as the referrer on signup.

“Ask anyone who is the most elite matchmaker in Northern California, and you will undoubtedly hear Amy’s name. Linx Dating's Founder, Amy Andersen (AA), has been matching high caliber, marriage-minded professionals for over twenty years (since 2003), with a focus on Silicon Valley, though she selectively takes on clients worldwide.

I am proud to say that Linx Dating (www.linxdating.com) was one of DateSpot’s first partners vetted and approved to access our candidate platform (to secure potential matches for their own database). In getting to know her over the years, it’s clear that through her friendly and classy charm, empathy, intuition, responsiveness, humor, and dedication, she has earned one of the highest reputations in the industry.

As the Founder of DateSpot (DS), I had the opportunity to ask her some questions to get to know more about her background, views, and ultra-successful business.

I decided to split her thoughtful answers into two parts - one blog post geared towards matchmakers and the other for singles.

I'm first sharing her answers geared towards matchmakers, so if you’re a professional in the industry or considering becoming one, perk up your ears and check out what she said…

DS: How did you enter the world of matchmaking and when did you know you could do this professionally?

AA: I was living in Silicon Valley in the height of the dot com era and was struck by how the men down in the Valley couldn’t find accessible, attractive, and extraordinary women, and how my female friends up in San Francisco couldn’t find a guy to commit. My idea literally came from pure observation about the dismal dating scene in Silicon Valley and a huge surplus of attractive brainy women in San Francisco.

I initially started matching these groups to each other for free and worked out of a Starbucks or Peets (whichever didn’t eventually kick me out) to save money, and eventually people wanted to pay to get more attention and better service. Then I knew I had a business. I had always loved putting people together and hosting little gatherings and Soirees but never thought I would actually start a matchmaking business until the opportunity in front of me was too good to be true.

DS: What advice do you have for aspiring matchmakers or people considering the occupation?

AA: This can be an extremely fun and rewarding business but also brutally tough to build, scale and differentiate yourself. You need to hugely patient, persistent, focused, and not easily discouraged. And you’d better love (mostly) what you do. Beyond this, you need to have a substantial network of singles already in place or ideas of how to generate a network. I started my business having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area which helped a lot in the early days of building my network. You also better develop a very thick skin. I think a lot of people think this industry must be all “peaches and cream” working in such a happy business but the reality is we are dealing with extremely sensitive situations, matters of the heart, tough and demanding Clients and beyond this, running a business is really, really hard work. You need to have intuition, people skills, enjoy people of all walks of life and backgrounds, have sensitivities and compassion, not be judgmental, and beyond this some sort of business acumen.

‍DS: What lessons have you learned at Linx that could apply to any business owner?

AA: Start with a relatively narrow focus, super-serve your customers in that niche, and do that part extremely well. The key to success is thinking local versus global. Too many entrepreneurs start their business thinking about global expansion versus staying local and doing the best job you can do in your own market.

The growth will come organically from there. Also, keep all options open and pursue opportunities and relationships that you come across - you never know from where or when those breakthrough moments could come. Take meetings with all sorts of people, keep an open-mind, friendly attitude, and network. Have business cards on you.

There is something really nice about actually handing someone a card (more of an art then days) and taking the time to look at it and keep it in your rolodex of contacts.

DS: Maintaining confidentiality of course, can you share a story or scenario of one of the strangest requests or client searches?

AA: I have had some strange ones - one, in particular, was where a client was seeking a curvy, more voluptuous woman who was a graduate from one specific prestigious University. I am regularly asked by my clients to initially disclose information about them to their match that they might think would be hard to address themselves on a first date - that can be anything from a health condition to a strange preference. I get a lot of practice in the art of awkward conversations. I never judge anyone’s requests or preferences. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

DS: If you could do anything professionally other than matchmaking, what would it be?

AA: Oh I love this question! If it were based on pure passion, I might be a marine biologist, astronaut, dermatologist or do something in art like a crazy artist splashing paint on paint canvases blasting music with apprentices helping me. But as far as translating professional skills, I would probably be a natural in real estate, as I have a great network, and love sales, brokering deals, and designing spaces. I enjoy art, architecture, style, and creating a beautiful living space. I also love helping people achieve their dreams and goals.

DS: Why do you think you've been so successful?

AA: Incessant hard work, dedication and focus, a consistent and honest commitment to the brand that epitomizes me and my business and, perhaps most importantly, some really great luck along the way.

It’s hard for me to believe it’s been over 20 years that I have been running Linx Dating. To be honest, not a day has gone by in the last two decades that I am not thinking about my work. I’ve always had a fire in my belly as an entrepreneur and the flame has only intensified as my business has grown. To me each and every day is exciting. I wake up each morning grateful there is still a demand and thankful for my spectacular clients. I am excited to see how each and every day unfolds and the challenges that come with it. For me it’s still really fun and that’s what keeps me going!

‍DS: How do you think the matchmaking industry has evolved over the past 10 or 20 years?

AA: When I started my business in 2003, the notion of hiring a professional matchmaker definitely raised some eyebrows and was considered slightly taboo and maybe even a little controversial. It wasn’t for everyone and sometimes people back then assumed something was “wrong” with you if you needed to hire a matchmaker.

Fast forward some 20 years later - hiring a matchmaking has become very normalized and one could argue, en vogue. When I first started my business, there were a few key players in the space- mostly the big matchmaking services that were far more commercialized and not a lot of niche based matchmakers available. There were no apps when I started Linx and only a few dating websites like Yahoo Personals, Match, and eHarmony.

‍In the last 10 years, there have been hundreds of niche matchmakers opening shops all across the country and we have seen the rise of countless choices for dating apps. Even with sophisticated dating apps, I find a lot of singles experience real app fatigue are tired of the misrepresentations, the lack of privacy, and the poor odds. As such, I see that dating apps have reinforced the need for personalization and vetting and this is one of the many reasons the matchmaking industry has exploded with growth.

It’s an exciting time to be in the industry and has become a natural resource and obvious choice for many single men and women as compared to some 15-20 years ago.

‍DS: What are your current initiatives?

AA: A heavy focus on super-serving a smaller number of elite VIP clients. My business has evolved to primarily focus on a handful of very specialized, ultra intense VIP searches. It’s the most challenging work in the world in my humble opinion. It’s like having a puzzle and finding the missing piece in the puzzle for the search. My VIP clients basically have this incredible life with all the puzzle pieces lined up from years of hard work and so much success but the one missing piece is their match and life partner. It’s such an honor to get to figure out how to find that missing puzzle piece and when I figure it out for them and the piece fits so uniquely into that giant puzzle that represents my clients extraordinary life, a true miracle has happened. I love love and I love what I do so much!

Amy wanted to end with “Thank you for this opportunity to talk with your network about Linx and matchmaking. I am honored to have spoken to you all today.”

Spoken by a true gracious queen. Thank you, Amy! We look forward to sharing Part 2 for Singles soon!”

To follow DateSpot on Socials Visit:

Instagram @DateSpot

LinkedIn @DateSpot

Should I Sign The Prenup? Here’s Why It’s a Good Idea

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

The idea of a prenuptial agreement—or prenup—isn’t our favorite part of the fairytale wedding. After all, when you’re planning your wedding, the last thing you want to think about is the possibility of a divorce. However, as much as we’d like to believe in the happily ever after, the truth is that not all marriages last forever. So, before you say, “I do,” there’s an important conversation that you and your partner should have: the prenup talk.

The idea of a prenup doesn’t sound romantic, but it’s a smart move for any couple, regardless of income or assets. You might want to think about it like an insurance policy for your marriage.

No one goes into a marriage expecting it to end in divorce, but the reality is that many first-time marriages do—almost half. The prenup works as an insurance policy; it protects you and your partner in case the worst happens and outlines exactly what to expect in case of a divorce.

Should your marriage need to end, the prenup will save you the long, expensive divorce of your nightmares. With a prenup, you’ll already know how to split the assets and debts, so, instead of dealing with expensive lawyers to decide who owes what, everything is already sorted. Save yourselves the headaches and trauma and spell out the contingency plans.

If you have significant personal assets, a prenup will make sure everything that’s yours stays yours. This is particularly important if you own a business or have inherited assets. Without a prenup, ownership runs into gray areas, and you might not be entitled to everything you thought you owned.

A prenup can also be a useful tool for setting expectations and discussing important issues before tying the knot. Talking about money, for example, can be uncomfortable, but it’s an important conversation to have before getting married. Working on the prenup will help you both establish financial transparency and have a clear understanding of each other’s financial goals, concerns and status.

Many people are hesitant to broach the topic of a prenup with a partner. This conversation can feel unromantic and pessimistic, so try to think of it as a relationship-building tool. Working through the details of a prenup with your partner requires trust and communication, building blocks for any successful marriage.

Ready to have the prenup conversation? Keep an open mind and a willingness to listen to your partner’s concerns. Remember, a prenup isn’t just about protecting your own assets—it’s about creating a fair agreement that works for both of you. 

Ask Amy: Communicating Boundaries

Image By: Annie Barnett

Question

(Woman, 33, San Francisco) [Single - actively dating]

“I’ve started dating a new guy, and I’ve noticed we’re having trouble in the conflict resolution realm. Whenever I bring up something that bothers me, he gets defensive, makes excuses and we end up arguing. For example, he ran 20 minutes late to pick me up for our last date. When I asked why he didn’t call to let me know, he said that he was in back-to-back meetings and he came to get me as fast as he could. I tried to explain that I appreciated him hurrying, but I felt really hurt that he left me. He said that I needed to relax and be more flexible. Is there a better way for me to convey my needs?”

Andersen Advice

Sounds to me like you’re trying to set boundaries and the conversation isn’t going as smoothly as you’d have hoped. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, it can be very challenging to share when someone has let us down, but it’s a very important conversation to have especially as it prevents resentment from seeping in. 

If your partner isn’t receptive to the feedback, there may be several reasons why. Some people feel immense shame. Others have trouble admitting they’ve made a mistake. While there’s no way to predict your partner’s reaction, I can share best practices to help you share your boundaries in the most clear, direct way possible. 

Firstly, setting boundaries is a foundational part of any relationship. Boundaries help your partner (and everyone else) understand your needs and the behavior you will accept. When you set boundaries and stick to them, you are cultivating space for your personal growth and maintaining your peace—all good things!

With that said, your partner also has a right to set boundaries. If he has tried his best to explain his actions, and you are unsatisfied, he might need to stand his ground. If the relationship is going to work, you both need to respect each other’s boundaries and learn to compromise if your boundaries come into conflict.

Although some intuition by the two of you is important, you can’t always both be mind-readers, and that means this process of mutual “boundary setting” can only occur with healthy communication. Understandably, these talks can be uncomfortable. Maybe one of you withdraws or gets triggered and a simple conversation escalates into an argument. Either way, it’s important to initiate the conversation as calmly as possible and be open to finding a solution. 

To avoid sounding accusatory, opt for “I” statements. For example, instead of “you showed up late again and don’t care about my time”, you could say, “I would appreciate your letting me know when you are running late, or I can start to feel like I’m not prioritized.” 

Giving your partner specifics around your boundaries will also help your partner understand exactly what you need. For example, instead of “you need to text me more often”, you could say something like “It would be nice to hear from you at the end of your day – staying in close touch  matters to me.”

If your partner has a strong reaction every time you mention boundaries or repeatedly shuts you down, it’s a sign that, for whatever reason, he might not be ready to enter a mature relationship with you at this point.  Other signs that might also indicate a lack of readiness include:

1. Lacking empathy—Does your partner dismiss your feelings or gaslight you for conveying uncomfortable emotions? If you mention something that bothered you, is it always in your head or not a big deal?

2. Always having to be right—Does your partner get angry, annoyed, or aloof if you challenge him? Is he unwilling to admit when he’s made a mistake? 

3. History of unstable relationships—Does he say all his exes were “crazy”? Did his past relationships always end on bad terms?

4. Gaslighting—Is it always your fault when problems arise? If you mention something that bothered you, does he make you feel like you’re always the problem?

If any of these signs resonate, I hope you will reconsider staying in your relationship. For partnerships to grow and evolve, it takes firstly, an ability to communicate mutual boundaries and, secondly, the desire to respect them. I encourage you to find a partner who appreciates this level of communication.

Affectionately yours,

Amy