The ‘Unicorn’ Client: When Perfect on Paper Isn’t Perfect in Reality

In the film The Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson as a New York City matchmaker, audiences get a glimpse into the complex world of professional matchmaking. One particularly striking moment comes when a client describes their ideal match as a “unicorn” – someone who checks every box on paper but may not exist in reality. This fictional scenario perfectly captures a real challenge that professional matchmakers face daily: helping clients understand that true compatibility goes far deeper than a checklist of superficial criteria.

The Myth of the Perfect Match

The “unicorn” concept from “The Materialists” reflects a common misconception in modern dating: that the perfect partner can be defined by a series of measurable attributes. Height, income, education level, career prestige – these become the non-negotiables that clients believe will guarantee happiness. But as any experienced matchmaker will tell you, love rarely follows a spreadsheet.

“I have an amazing guy for you,” the matchmaker says in the film’s trailer. “How tall?” comes the immediate response. “5’11.” “Is he actually 5’11 or is he 5’9″ and lying? What’s a couple inches?” This exchange, while humorous, highlights how clients can become fixated on arbitrary measurements that have little bearing on relationship success.

Beyond the BMI and Bank Account

In “The Materialists,” we see references to clients with specific requirements like “nothing over twenty BMI” – a stark example of how surface-level criteria can overshadow genuine compatibility factors. This fictional portrayal mirrors real-world challenges that professional matchmakers encounter when clients arrive with rigid checklists that prioritize appearance and wealth over emotional connection.

At Tawkify, our approach deliberately moves beyond these superficial markers. While physical attraction and lifestyle compatibility matter, our matchmakers are trained to identify the deeper qualities that create lasting relationships:

What Really Matters in Long-Term Compatibility

Emotional Intelligence: How does someone handle conflict? Do they communicate openly and honestly? Can they empathize with their partner’s perspective?

Shared Values: Do you both prioritize family time? Career advancement? Community involvement? These core values shape daily decisions and long-term life paths.

Complementary Life Goals: Are you both looking for marriage and children? Do your timelines align? Are you compatible in terms of where and how you want to live?

Sense of Humor: Research shows that couples who laugh together stay together. But humor is deeply personal – what makes you genuinely laugh and feel connected?

Growth Mindset: Is this person committed to personal development? Do they learn from mistakes and work to improve themselves and their relationships?

The Data Behind Successful Matches

Tawkify’s database of over 1 million singles provides unique insights into what actually predicts relationship success. Our data shows that couples who focus on emotional compatibility and shared values are significantly more likely to progress to exclusive relationships than those matched purely on demographic criteria.

Consider these real-world examples from our client base:

• A successful attorney who initially insisted on dating only other lawyers found lasting love with a teacher who shared her passion for social justice
• A tech executive who demanded a partner with an advanced degree married someone whose emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit complemented his analytical nature
• A client who specified a strict height requirement ended up with someone slightly shorter who made her laugh every day and supported her career ambitions

Why the ‘Unicorn’ Mentality Backfires

The pursuit of the perfect-on-paper partner often leads to what psychologists call “choice overload” and “maximizer syndrome.” When clients become too focused on finding someone who meets every criterion, they:

1. Miss genuine connections with people who might be perfect matches but don’t fit the predetermined mold
2. Create unrealistic expectations that no real person can fulfill
3. Focus on what’s missing rather than appreciating what’s present in potential partners
4. Delay commitment while searching for someone even “better”

How Tawkify Looks Beyond the Surface

Our matchmaking process is specifically designed to help clients move past the unicorn mentality:

Deep Discovery Process

During initial consultations, our matchmakers dig deeper than basic preferences. We explore past relationships, family dynamics, communication styles, and life experiences that shape what you truly need in a partner.

Values-Based Matching

Using AI-powered tools combined with human expertise, we search our database not just for demographic matches, but for people whose values, goals, and personalities complement yours.

Blind Date Approach

Like the successful reality show “Love is Blind,” Tawkify often arranges dates without sharing photos first. This encourages clients to focus on conversation, connection, and chemistry rather than making snap judgments based on appearance.

Feedback and Refinement

After each date, we collect detailed feedback to understand what worked and what didn’t. Often, clients discover that their initial “must-haves” weren’t as important as they thought, while qualities they hadn’t considered become deal-makers.

Real Success Stories: When ‘Imperfect’ Becomes Perfect

Lyndsey & Matt

Lyndsey was “a bit fatigued by the repetition of online dating and being engaged in several half conversations with strangers.” A coworker recommended Tawkify as “a really just refreshing way to date… ultimately it led me to meet the love of my life. We are getting married in about a year!” Their connection proves that sometimes the best matches come when you step away from the endless swiping and trust professional guidance.

LaSonya & Michael

Michael describes their instant connection: “When I say smitten, I’m not easily smitten… it’s not just the looks, it’s the essence, right? Its the nature of a person, you know, tapping into the soul, and I think we were able to tap into each other’s souls on the first date.” Their story demonstrates how true compatibility transcends surface-level attraction.

Marie’s Success Story

Marie shares: “I’m happy to report that Mark and I are still going strong. We just got back from a 2-week Cali vacation and… wait for it… he’s officially moved in. It’s crazy how fast things are progressing, but we’re both happy and going with the flow. It’ll be 4 months tomorrow since our Tawkify date, though it feels way longer than that—in a good way!” Their rapid progression shows what happens when genuine compatibility aligns.

The Materialist’s Lesson for Modern Dating

“The Materialists” appears to explore the tension between practical considerations and emotional connection in relationships. While the film’s protagonist navigates the world of high-end matchmaking in New York, the underlying message resonates with anyone seeking love: true compatibility can’t be reduced to a checklist.

The movie’s tagline suggests that “when you love someone, it’ll be easy. No math.” This sentiment aligns with what successful matchmakers know: the best relationships often surprise us by defying our preconceived notions of what we thought we wanted.

Moving Beyond the Unicorn

If you find yourself creating increasingly specific lists of requirements for your ideal partner, consider these questions:

• Which of your criteria are truly non-negotiable versus nice-to-have?
• Are you focusing more on how a partner looks on paper than how they make you feel?
• Have you eliminated potential matches based on arbitrary numbers (height, age, income) rather than compatibility factors?
• Are you looking for someone to complete you or complement you?

The Tawkify Difference

Professional matchmaking exists to help you navigate these complex questions with expert guidance. At Tawkify, we’ve learned that the most successful matches often happen when clients trust the process and remain open to connections that might not fit their original blueprint.

Our matchmakers combine data-driven insights with human intuition to identify compatibility factors that algorithms and dating apps miss. We look at communication styles, emotional availability, life stage alignment, and dozens of other variables that contribute to relationship success.

Embracing Authentic Connection

“The Materialists” may be fiction, but its exploration of modern dating challenges reflects real struggles that many professionals face. The pressure to find someone who checks every box can prevent us from recognizing genuine compatibility when it appears.

The most successful Tawkify clients are those who come to understand that their perfect match might not be their perfect-on-paper match. They’re willing to prioritize emotional connection, shared values, and genuine compatibility over superficial criteria.

Your person is out there – but they might not look exactly like the unicorn you’ve imagined. Sometimes the most extraordinary relationships begin when we stop chasing mythical perfection and start embracing authentic human connection.

Ready to move beyond the checklist and find real compatibility? Tawkify’s expert matchmakers are here to help you discover what you truly need in a partner – and find them. Our proven process looks beyond surface-level criteria to identify the deeper compatibility factors that create lasting love.

Apply now to see if you qualify for Tawkify’s personalized matchmaking service.