Patt Stanger - Millionaire Matchmaker

Last week’s episode #13, features Patti Stanger with a bevy of experts to help her find “The One”.

Dr. Pat Allen seemed to be working as the facilitator, asking Patti what she was looking for – marriage, relationship or just dating. Patti didn’t hesitate a moment – she wants to get married and says it’s time!

The first thing that cracked me up was when her friend Matt Bennett, the life coach said that “…helping Patti Stanger find love is like riding a bucking bronco through a mine field!” Thanks Matt for that highly descriptive visual. He also told Patti to set her bar higher to weed out the men who are out of integrity.

Dr. Lillian Glass, body language expert, suggested she let others see her femininity and loving nature. It’s time to let this side of her show. She also encouraged her to spend time focusing on the face and listening to what is being said.

Dr. Nicki told Patti she’s a bulldozer and she needs to be able to sit still and shut up to let a man in. Sounds like great advice for any Type A, driven woman.

Patti was worried that Dustin and Rachel, along with two colleagues from her Great Expectations days – Rose and Jeff, wouldn’t know her type. Who is her type? Patti goes for tall, rugged, muscular, blond men. She’s not into Mr. Suit, more into Mr. Beach.

At the mixer, Patti selected John – a tall blond man as her primary date. But, before going into that date, let’s talk about the other guy Dustin offered her a second date too – with a guy that isn’t  mentioned on the Bravo site anywhere! Let’s say his name is Jim – I can’t remember. He was an ex cop and very intense. While he was tall and muscular, he was too intense for Patti. I don’t blame her at all – he was over the top.

While the date started out lighter and more fun with some horseback riding, Jim was like a lion, waiting to go in for the kill. He told Patti how she had made the wrong choice and he was going to prove it to her. Instead, he proved her selection to be right – he was not the one. Maybe if he had just been light and fun, he could have had a shot. But, no way with that intensity. Yuck! I can’t help but think this is what the producers requested of him…

In amazing contrast, Patti’s date with John was heavenly to her. He did research (or was told) about all her favorite things.  He took her on a private plane to Tuscon, AZ to her favorite resort – Mirabel. They started with a foot massage by the pool and he served her Petrone Silver – her favorite drink.

The next day –  they rode the zip line with a 30 foot climb to get to the top starting point. Patti was visibly nervous about this climb, but she loved the zip line – she didn’t want to get down. Later, they had a fabulous dinner – at a villa with all her  favorite food. They hugged and kissed at the end.

And a second date was planned. OK Patti, let’s see if you can follow your own advice about letting the man be in charge and no sex until monogamy!

Patti Stanger the Millionaire Matchmaker

Last week’s episode of Bravo TV’s the Millionaire Matchmaker bridged both ends of the spectrum. From Frank Marino, a Vegas drag queen extraordinaire who dressed up to imitate Patti herself, to Jason the food king who was so dull even a body language coach couldn’t loosen him up. Talk about miles apart! How funny to put these two clients on one show, highlighting their remarkable differences.

Working with Frank, Patti was hoping to find a guy who could help him balance out his life. Patti had no trouble finding a bunch of eligible guys who didn’t mind the idea of dating a diva. I had a good laugh when she choose that young chatty guy for Frank. He didn’t even let him get  a word in edgewise – at least the way the  show was edited and presented.

Frank finally choose Paul, a marketing guy who was 27 and seemed like a good match, until he starting drinking. Wow – did he knock back the wine. That was a beautiful display of how foolish you can look when you drink too much – ON NATIONAL TV! Honestly, what was he thinking? Too bad, because the date started off with a lot of fun, on a zip line from the mall roof top. That looked like wild fun, floating across the skyline of the mall.

The other client, Jason, was so dull, its difficult to even write much about him. He made his cash with a line of healthy food that is delivered door-to-door. But, Jason seems either so boring, uncomfortable with himself or wound tightly, that he was the ultimate sleeper.

Patti sent Jason to a body language coach who helped him through a variety of exercises that, in truth, would make anyone feel outrageously foolish. I felt bad for him. Stretching, screaming, making faces. Patti literally said something about taking that pole out of his…

I give him credit because he tried to come up with a unique date and paddled his girl across a stream to dinner. Yes, something different, but probably not the best choice on a hot night in a business suit. His date was sweet and forgiving, but they were awkward and conversation with that guy does not flow easily.

After all was said and done, Patti suggested that he look for a woman from his home state of Pennsylvania which apparently he managed to do and is now seeing someone. This makes so much more sense than hoping to connect with a California beauty.

So, that’s its for episode 11. Not that much to relate to and not that entertaining unless you enjoy sluggish conversation and watching a young guy get snockered to the max. Let’s hope tomorrow night is more fun.

Patti Stanger Millionaire Matchmaker

Christian Clothing Hot Shots – the Cruz Brothers Seek Love with the Help of Patti Stanger

In this episode, we meet two brothers who have a successful line of Christian, faith-based clothing. The boys are muscle-bound body builders, good looking and personable.

The older one, Abe, has been in jail for the past three years which is where the idea came to him for this clothing line. He’s paid his debt for doing something stupid – selling cocaine to give a woman he was in love with the money she demanded (Hello – anything more deeply wrong here than illegal cocaine distribution?). Abe chose Tiffany and before a nice dinner, he took her to the gym for a big work out. Excuse me, is this fun? That would be a gigantic NO!

Next Abe and Tiffany go to dinner and he blurts out in a “I’ve been in jail too long without a woman” sort of way, that he’d like her to come back to his place for a night cap of hot tubbing. Tiffany, eyes-wide opened, declined in a very matter of fact way. No big deal, she just brushed it off the table so to speak.  Whahoo Tiffany – Good for you!

Now in all fairness to Abe, if he’s watched Millionaire Matchmaker Episodes, all the way back there’s been hot tub activity on several first dates. There were the millionaires that chose each other instead of the dates Patti and her team selected. Heidi (was it?) who went out with the Canadian resort owner.  No chastisement from Patti there.

And this season there was a guy who stripped his in the hot tub for all of us to see before dinner, stating how he couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. Certainly a bold obliteration of Patti’s famous club commandment- “No Sex before Monogamy! “They went for it after returning for dinner.

But off the TV, getting into a hot tub on a first date is unlikely and asking is a bit tacky Abe. I would advise my dating coaching clients not to fall for this obvious prelude to a tryst.

His brother Dave fared much better.  After being cheated on by his wife within six months of marrying, Dave’s confidence was rocked. Patti worked to build him up giving him some great pointers.

While Dave also took Ayla to work out for the first half of the date -making me wonder what else these brother feel they must do together…  Dave is a romantic and brought Ayla a nice bouquet of flowers handing them off just before dinner. He used his conversation skills to make talking easy for the two of them and they hit if off . Looks like they will be seeing each other again. You get points for this one Patti!

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger

The Arrogant Nice Guy and the Guy with TMI Turn to Patti Stanger for Dating Help

I must apologize for being so far behind on my Millionaire Matchmaker commentaries! Not sure how that happened exactly, but let me catch you up on a couple of episodes.

The tale of two nice guys includes finding matches for a previous client, Ayinde, who has his own growing radio business. At first glance, Ayinde seems like a nice guy and his mannerism reflect this. But what comes out of his mouth demonstrates something far different.

He has this absolutely crazy idea that he deserves a woman in the top 1% of all women. (Those aren’t his words, they are my interpretation). He wants a woman of exceptional beauty who went to an ivy league school and is super successful.

Guess what Ayinde – you need a good shot of Realism 101, Ronnie -Style. You are not “All that” yourself. Yes, you are good looking but not a 10 in my book. You aren’t super suave, sophisticated or charming either. You seem smart, but I’m quite sure there are smarter. One thing I know is that you are the king of picky!

Then, to top it off, you blamed Patti for your less than perfect date with Bracha who was absolutely gorgeous and very bright if you ask me. I don’t know how she put up with your charity activity date where you tested her in several different ways. I’d advise any of my dating coaching clients to take off in a flash if they saw a hint of your snobbery and controlling behavior.

Since you are far from perfect, I highly recommend that you drop the “Perfection Criteria” right now, or as Patti told him, he can expect a long and lonely life without female companionship. Good for Bracha – she’s freed up from this imbecile!

Now for Mitch, the over-sharing, Maserati-driving single dad. Well, the good news is Mitch did much better than Ayinde. Patti warned him about over sharing and he did still talk too much about his ex-wife – a No NO of HUGE proportions for anyone on a date. Really Mitch, you gotta learn to “zip it.” After drinking some wine and petting a camel (something everyone should try on a first date – NOT), things were looking up for Tova and Mitch.

Well I suppose this is another solid Bravo TV week and their Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger. Dishing up more episode dirt and details  to follow!

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger

I’ve met some techy CEO types in my time and they always make a case for marrying a Geek. The last one I met explained what good husbands they make and I completely believe him. They try to please, are very loyal and exceptionally grateful. Not too mention often wealthy. It’s unfortunate that many women can’t get past the “geek factor” to see the opportunity. Hey its’ not for everyone. But its good to remember that Geeks are people too.

Well Patti did her best to “de-geek” the Groupon exec. First she had to get him out of that red zip hoodie. No question Patti had her work cut out for her and she did a great job with that total, head-to-toe make over. He looked so much better once she finished with a new hair cut and shaving off that beard. I even liked the hat.

Unfortunately this bachelor picked a wild woman who saw her job as the domineering vixen. She actually told him he didn’t have to love, but she could show him the ropes. I think she scared him off. Listen ladies, if you find yourself in this situation, remember – these guys  are still MEN and want to feel like they are in charge. Do not emasculate them!

You can show a guy the ropes without making him jump over them for you. Rely on your feminine charms rather than more masculine means to keep him open to learning and stay engaged with you. Think Matahari – that’s one lady spy who knew how to get the job done. You don’t need to take over or use force.

Having been a dating coach for more than 9 years now, I would have chosen a softer woman for the Geek exec, one who was sweet and upbeat, and probably younger than him. He had some good qualities such as liking art, etc. so there’s some noteworthy stuff in that package.

Moving on to Prince Max. Why is it he can’t find his own babe? I’m confused. But in this case, Patti brought on a bevvy of beauties and Clark, one gorgeous blond model did the trick. At the end it said they were dating and I hope so. Buying her that dress and teaching her ballroom dancing was a spectacular first date! Prince-like to a “T”.

This was another good episode where Patti worked some magic to help her clients rather than yelling and belittling them. As a dating coach, I think her show is best when it has educational components and you can see the transformation that her guidance provides. Good job Patti!

This week’s episode felt like the old Patti Stanger. Back before she was just trying to get headlines and ratings. She worked with two men, Brandon and William who seemed like they genuinely wanted to find love. And they both found nice women.

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger

Brandon was matched with a stunning women of Indian descent. She is gorgeous and they seemed the perfect match while sitting on the beach enjoying a Louisiana-style picnic. Of course jumping off a cliff while connected to the professional chute jumper – not sure of the romantic-ness of that sort of thing. But, to each their own. He is Mr.  Extreme Sports, so now he knows this woman has passed the test.

William on the other hand might have been confused for a few moments about being Prince William, since he took his lovely date to learn how to play polo. Patti got a scene in there yelling at him. Of course it might have been better if she and William had discussed the date prior to it happening. This makes more sense to me anyway – but probably less drama.

William has to learn to knock off the playboy stuff, but honestly, I’m not sure how he does it. All I get from him is dweebie mama’s boy.Perhaps there are women who fall for his type and cheap tricks such as – have you ever gotten pregnant on a sail boat.? What the hell kind of charming question is that? I have worked with some men during my years as a dating coach and in my book, William needs work.

But this episode had a nice ending with two happy clients and no one getting thrown out of the office.

Hey Patti – congratulations!

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger

Patti asked a leading question leaving out one word, and anticipating that the women would know the correct answer to fill in the blank. “Don’t Sleep with Anyone Without ______”. The women all sang back in chorus “condoms!” Oh NO! That’s not what Patti expected and so I cracked up! She wanted them to say, “Monogamy” but she can’t seem to get it through these select, LA girls’ heads.

You all remember the definition of Monogamy -when you only sleep with each other. Patti looked appalled and reinforced her dating philosophy rigorously. As a dating coach for women over 40, I know how hard this idea can be. I suggest that each woman make the right choice for her, but date smart to guard her heart.

I’ll give Brian some credit. I didn’t think he could pull it off but did a great job with his date. He did all the right things – classically speaking, if you like champagne and roses (and not many of us would refuse). Debra was the model of confidence, demonstrating how she wasn’t flustered by Brian’s cutie brigade.

Then there is David. Patti dragged him over to Tori Spelling’s house where Tori was domesticating in the kitchen. She made her visitors scones and fancy drinks with mint sprigs. Please! I bet that’s an every day occurrence at Tori’s.

And let’s not forget Tori let her live chicken roam the table top where they were eating. They got a shot of the chicken pecking a scone – thank goodness there are no eggs in scones!

I don’t understand Patti’s insistence for showing David the light on what a woman is capable of today. The guy is a ripped, soon-to-be balding chauvinist – just give him the type of woman he wants so they can both be happy. He wants a traveling companion and mother. Really what’s wrong with that any way? Not every woman wants to be a business tycoon as far  as I know.

David’s idea of a date – the cold sauna. Are you kidding me? His date swore a lot in her amazingly skimpy bikini (just jealous because I never could wear one) and finally begged to be let out. The owner of the cold plunge was so surprised that she didn’t feel euphoric.

After, they lounged on chairs, she had a blanket and finally David started to snuggle her to help her get warm. How sweet. (Ugh) Next the big hot tub and removal of clothing…followed by dinner and the “deed”. As a dating coach, I would agree with Patti, that woman should not have made her sell  SO available to David. He conquered and move on. How typical. Not sure why he needed a matchmaker for that ending – he can probably pick up women on his own.

I thought Patti would do her usual big drama tossing David out of the club, but not this time. She held back this time. Learning some restraint maybe…

On to next week!

The New Patti Stanger

Let me start by saying that its good to see Patti again. But, um, is it me, or did she have a little somethin’ somethin’ done to that face? Her eyes definitely looked different and no amount of eye shadow was hiding that lift. (OK, maybe I’m jealous and would love a little lift myself.)

On to the good stuff! The dates!

The Millionaire Matchmaker Tries to Coach Her Male Clients

As a dating coach for women over 40, I always look forward to the part where she tries to coach her clients before they meet their matches. Not everyone is opento feedback or willing to look at how they may be contributing to their own singleness.

Gary – hmmm, what can I say? He’s a strange dude no question. In his video, Gary said he’s a clean freak and would make a girl take a shower before dinner and dancing even if she’d already taken one that morning.

I guess he wasn’t thinking about a first date – that would be rather awkward wouldn’t it? “I know we just met, but did you by any chance already take a shower today?”

Can you imagine that one? He wasn’t a bad looking guy but he did make a lot of funny faces, especially when Patti was interviewing him. Seemed like he was squirming in his pants – so to speak. Patti claimed he had some type of multiple personality disorder, yet she introduced him to some of LA’s finest women any way.

Gary chose Bonnie because he wanted to … well Patti always says the “penis does the picking.” Their date was uncomfortable with Bonnie freaking in the helicopter. Is that the best some of these guys can do – take a helicopter ride? I just don’t get the romance in that. 

Lastly, asking if he could kiss her showed a surprising lack of confidence in his manly abilities.

On the other hand we have the hunky, Italian born Micheal who likes to test women. What ever happened to conversation?

What would you have done if this good looking guy decided to dress you up and take photos on your first date? I’m thinking “Exit stage left,” for any of you who remember the cartoon with Snaggle-puss. Could this smart, successful international businessman really believe this was fun for anyone but himself?

Patti Stanger Throws Another Guy Out

Michael’s fight with Patti at the end was lame. Dramatic as ever, Patti throws the guy out. While he appeared to be putting up a fight and pointing his finger at her, what came across to me was the producers probably asked him to pick a fight and he didn’t really have his heart in it. Not to worry because Patti can do drama with her eyes closed and hands tied behind her back.

Won’t it be interesting this season to see who she fixes herself up with now that’s she’s looking. For me, inquiring minds want to know what she did with that diamond engagement ring – it was massive!

Patti Stanger - Thanks Peter Tangen/Bravo

Not sure how many of you read the NY Post, but Thursday, they ran a piece on page 6 about the millionaires she’s been matching in this season. Let’s just say that several of them aren’t too happy with how they were portrayed, never mind the unhappy matches.

A couple say that their business is off directly related to how they appeared on the show. David Vrouble complained that Patti called him “creepy” eight times. Dude – you are creepy and you can’t tell me you aren’t. But maybe that was in the editing (yeah, right.)

On the other hand, you get what you deserve when you expose yourself on this type of “reality” show. Those who signed up wanted to be famous – and now you are.  I have found that when you are in the hands of the media, you never know what they’ll choose to do with you.

I was being interviewed on the morning TV news in Boston and the anchor told me my dating advice was too obvious. Gee thanks for your opinion babe. Maybe you should try some of it – like smiling more and being  nice to people. OK, I’m not bitter – it was still great press!

But sometimes things go from bad to worse. The NY Post went on to say that rumors are flying Bravo might not sign Stanger up for season six and instead may seek out a new matchmaker. (Janis Spindel – will it be you? Samantha’s Table perhaps?) Other street dirt claims Patti is shopping her show around, but that she and the network might have to duke it out over who owns the show.

In the meantime, the team is about to start shooting season five. Everything has its time and things maybe winding down for our favorite TV matchmaker. Patti, in season 5, you may want to try some of that feminine charm -just so you know you can keep your bread buttered after the season is over. You never know what can happen, but you can always rely on this old adage:-You can catch more flies with honey.

But hey, maybe you aren’t looking for flies…

Robin Kassner from Haute PR is on the left

Sitting at my desk this afternoon,  I stopped what I was doing to answer the phone. How surprised was I when the person on the other end of the line identified herself as Robin Kassner. THE Robin Kassner from last week’s episode of the Millionaire Matchmaker! She is the successful business woman from Haute PR in New York.

I took a moment to contain myself and we began to have a very fun conversation. Robin, who said she wants a Hello Kitty wedding, turns out to be a very nice, bright, well-spoken and professional woman. Not quite like she was portrayed on the show huh? Let’s just chalk that up to editing with an agenda and leave it at that.

We discussed dating today, some of her history and divorce, what happened on her very public Bravo TV date and so much more. She was simply delightful!  The good news is, she’s open to some dating advice and dating coaching! I must tell you how excited I am for this opportunity and the arm’s length connection to one of my favorite dating shows. I’m not six degrees of separation like Kevin Bacon - I’m directly connected to one of the millionaires!

Robin did point out how she wants plus size women to know there are plenty of men who are open to dating them and that she doesn’t pay for men to date her. (That’s good news!)  Right now she’s just started to date a new man and we’ll see what happens.  I’m looking forward to insightful and constructive dating coaching sessions that will hopefully lead to her finding “the one.”

I also want to thank Robin for recognizing me as someone who genuinely cares about single women and wants to help you find the love you want and deserve. It’s great to know that message comes through on my blog and website. As I’ve said before, it’s my mission to help singles who have a strong desire for a relationship to find one and I truly believe there is a lid for every pot.