'I've given up with dating apps and hired pro matchmaker – the cost may shock you'

A woman has ditched the dating apps for good - and brought the professionals in.

Finding love in our tech-obsessed world can feel a little strange. If swiping left or right on strangers based purely on their profile photo doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you're not alone. Taylor Banks was fed up with failed matches on the likes of Tinder and Bumble and ended up discovering an ad on Instagram for a matchmaking service.

Encouraged by co-workers to give it a go, the 33-year-old took the plunge and completed a 'thorough' questionnaire about herself and what she wants in a partner. The 30 questions cover everything from salary expectations to physical characteristics, and will help sift out any men who don't align with her wants. Based in New York, Taylor admits she pays 'a few thousands' US dollars on the service, but says it beats dating apps any day.

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"Post-Covid, dating apps proved to not be a good use of my time anymore so I deleted them even before hiring a matchmaker," she explained.

"I appreciate someone vetting these gentlemen for me, based on criteria that I've provided. They are handpicking individuals who they feel will be a good match for me, so I don’t have any work to do – all I am doing is receiving at this point.

"It wins over dating apps. It's a very bespoke and tailored process. Even in the early stages, it's much better than anything I've done before virtually in terms of dating – light years ahead."

Taylor's first date thanks to the matchmaker was a success, and they both agreed to see each other again. However, the operations manager is still single and says she hasn't made the