Love Is Sacred: Why Market Principles Matter in Modern Dating

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

At Linx, we work with some of the most successful, driven individuals in the world—people who have built companies, shaped industries, and achieved remarkable things. But when it comes to love, even the most accomplished people often find themselves stuck. Not because they’re unworthy of love, but because love doesn’t operate like the other areas of their life. It can’t be optimized, rushed, or hacked.

Love, connection, trust, and emotional safety are what economist Debora Spar refers to as “sacred goods.” These are experiences we crave but unlike most goods, they can’t be bought or sold. Still, they behave like market items: demand is high, supply is limited, and meaningful exchanges are required to access them.

This framework deeply reflects what we see at Linx. When emotional needs go unmet, it’s often not about the individual—it’s about mismatched environments. You might be ready for intimacy but surrounded by people who aren’t. You may want long-term commitment but are dating in a culture that rewards novelty and speed. Part of what we do is correct that imbalance. We introduce our clients to people who are not only aligned in values and timing, but also emotionally ready for something real.

And real relationships require clarity. In Spar’s research, she highlights how sacred exchanges fall apart when communication breaks down—when people assume their partner should “just know” what matters. In our work, we see this all the time: two great people, both well-meaning, missing each other because they’re not communicating their needs, expectations, or emotional values clearly enough. That’s why coaching is so central to our process. We help clients name what they want, understand what they need, and recognize the signs of healthy alignment.

It’s also why we’re deeply intentional about how we operate. You can’t incentivize sacred goods with money. You can’t swipe your way to depth. But you can invest in a structure that protects what matters. At Linx, we’ve built that structure. We prioritize discretion, curation, and emotional investment. We meet every client personally. We listen. We guide. And we make matches with a level of care that honors the emotional weight of what’s at stake.

There’s a reason we don’t rely on algorithms or mass marketing. We believe the most meaningful relationships come from thoughtful, human-led connections—ones that are rooted in trust, not trends.

Because love isn’t casual. It’s sacred. And the people who find it are the ones willing to treat it that way.

Should You Share Your Last Name on a First Date?

By Amy Andersen, CEO of Linx Dating

There’s a small moment that happens early in dating — so subtle you might miss it.

They ask: “What’s your last name?”

For many, it’s casual small talk. But for others — especially high-profile professionals, public figures, or anyone navigating a sensitive transition — it can feel unexpectedly vulnerable.

At Linx Dating, I coach clients through much more than introductions. I prepare them for real-world moments like this — where connection and discretion intersect. And when it comes to personal information like your last name, I always offer this guiding principle: You are under no obligation to share your last name on a first date.

At Linx, We Lead With Discretion

My style at Linx is simple: I do not disclose last names when introductions occur. Ever. I believe that meaningful connections should unfold organically — based on chemistry, compatibility, and shared values — not a quick Google search or surface-level assumptions. That said, once the date begins and two people are talking directly, they may ask. That’s why I always advise clients to be prepared in advance, rather than caught off guard in the moment.

When that moment comes, understand that some people ask without thinking twice — and that might be something you’re not used to. It can be as simple as them being used to adding your last name to their contacts. It doesn’t have to be a red flag. But if it gives you pause, it’s worth being prepared ahead of time so you can respond in a way that feels true to you.

What to Say (Gracefully and Confidently)

If you’re not ready to share your last name, you can still respond with warmth and poise. Here are a few options that work beautifully:

• “I usually wait to share last names until I’ve had a chance to get to know someone better — I hope that’s okay.”

• “I’ve learned to keep things light in the early stages — it helps me stay present.”

• “Mystery is underrated these days, don’t you think?” (said with a smile) And I have told client to blame me, “I’m not sure Amy would want us breaking her rules!” (Humor goes a long way).

These aren’t evasive. They’re self-aware. And they often reveal something meaningful — how the other person handles a boundary.

Privacy Isn’t Paranoia. It’s Strength

When someone asks your last name early on, it’s often well-intended. But you get to decide what you share and when. Protecting your privacy doesn’t mean you’re hiding something. It means you’re pacing things intentionally — and allowing trust to grow in real time, not through background checks. Boundaries create safety. And safety leads to deeper connection.

The Bottom Line

In early dating, you’re not just learning about the other person — you’re setting the tone for how you want to be treated. That starts with honoring your own comfort, especially when your personal information carries weight. So if your instinct is to hold back? Honor it. The right person won’t question your boundary. They’ll respect it — and look forward to learning more, the meaningful way.

Want more discreet, high-integrity dating advice? Let’s connect. I’m always here to help.

Master “Cobbler” of Connections: Curated Matchmaking for High-Achievers

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Matchmaking is one of humanity’s oldest traditions—long before swipes and algorithms, there were trusted matchmakers - the expert “cobblers” of connection. Like a skilled cobbler who knows every shoe’s story and carefully mends and shapes each pair to ensure a perfect fit, matchmaking has always been a craft requiring patience, intuition, and deep personal knowledge.

At Linx Dating, this timeless tradition is alive and thriving. For over 20 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with a very small, elite group of high-achieving individuals—primarily Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and creatives—helping them find relationships that truly fit their lives and aspirations.

What sets Linx apart is the intensely personal, hands-on approach I bring to every step. I personally review each and every application that comes through our network. Not only do I hand-input all the data myself (a laborious process that few take on in today’s automated world), but I also personally respond to every applicant. This level of care and attention is simply unheard of in today’s matchmaking landscape.

Why go to such lengths? Because understanding every nuance—the stories, values, hopes, and even the fears—behind each client is essential to creating introductions that matter. This painstaking work is how I identify connections that others (including a lot of technologies as well) miss. It’s why our clients trust Linx with some of the most important decisions of their lives.

Linx Dating is neither about volume, nor about relying on technology to do the heavy lifting. It’s about real human connection, absolute discretion, and the artful craft of matching people with intention and care.

For those who expect excellence in every area of life, Linx is a trusted partner for finding love that fits.

Navigating the “Are You Divorced?” Question During Separation

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

At Linx Dating, we coach our clients through some of the most nuanced aspects of modern dating—including those emotionally loaded, often unexpected questions that can leave someone feeling unprepared or exposed.

One such moment just happened to a female client of ours. She’s navigating a high-profile divorce, emotionally and romantically long removed from her marriage, yet still in the thick of legal and financial finalization. During a date with a man who got divorced many years ago, he gently asked, “Are you actually divorced?”

While likely innocent in intention, the question landed like a punch. She wasn’t expecting it. It felt vulnerable and intrusive. And she didn’t know how to answer without sounding defensive or insecure.

Here’s the truth: In states like California, where the divorce process can be particularly complex and prolonged due to financial or custody matters, “divorced” isn’t always a black-and-white status. You can be emotionally done, romantically detached, and building a completely new life—and yet, still be technically “married” on paper.

So what do you do when someone asks, and your answer is more transitional than final?

Here are three ways to handle the “Are you divorced?” question with confidence and grace:

1. Lead with Clarity, Not Shame

You don’t need to apologize for being in transition. Instead, lead with emotional truth and firm boundaries.

“I’m in the final stages of my divorce. While the paperwork is still being finalized, the relationship has been over for quite some time. I’m clear, open, and emotionally available for the right person.”

By naming where you are with clarity, you communicate emotional availability without needing to defend your timeline.

2. Read the Intention Behind the Question

Sometimes this question is rooted in curiosity or a desire to understand, not judgment. For example, a widow may see divorce as uncharted territory and want to better understand your experience.

Instead of reacting, pause and ask yourself: “Is this person trying to disqualify me—or are they just trying to understand me?”

That subtle mindset shift can move you from feeling exposed to feeling empowered.

3. Redirect to Shared Values

If the conversation starts to veer into uncomfortable territory, gently redirect the conversation to shared values or future-oriented dialogue.

“The paperwork is in process, but what matters most to me is creating something new with someone I deeply respect and connect with. I’m excited about what’s next.”

This frames your response not around the past—but around who you are today and what you’re building.

Dating is vulnerable. Full stop.

And transitional periods—like separation or divorce—can bring even more layers of sensitivity, especially for high-profile individuals. What matters most is not defending your status, but owning your story. It’s okay to still be in progress and to date while in that space—so long as you’re honest with yourself and your matches about your availability and readiness.

At Linx, we champion our clients through these nuanced spaces, helping them stay grounded, confident, and emotionally agile—no matter the question.

Dating With Emotional ROI: Why Stability Beats Drama Every Time

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Dating Is a High-Stakes Game—Play It Like a Smart Investor
In Silicon Valley, decisions are rarely impulsive. Investors vet founders, analyze risk, and seek sustainable growth before writing a single check. Why? Because resources are finite—and return on investment matters.

Dating, too, is a form of high-stakes investing. You're choosing who gets your time, your energy, your heart. But while many people are intentional with their portfolios, they’re often reckless with their relationships. They confuse intensity for intimacy, unpredictability for chemistry, and drama for passion.

Let’s flip that narrative.

If you want a relationship that grows, compounds, and adds lasting value to your life—start dating like a smart investor. Here’s how:

1. Know Your Valuation

In the venture world, valuation reflects potential, traction, and market fit. In dating, your "value" stems from how you carry yourself: your confidence, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and the life you’ve built.
If you don’t know your worth, others will undervalue you. And if you discount yourself, the wrong people will try to buy in at a bargain. Don’t accept a low offer just because the market feels slow.

2. Avoid the Sunk Cost Fallacy

Investors cut ties when a business isn’t delivering. In dating, clinging to someone just because you’ve "already put in so much" is emotional dead weight.
Time invested doesn’t justify staying in a relationship that’s not evolving. Let go of what isn’t scaling. Reinvest in something with real growth potential.

3. Prioritize Emotional Liquidity

A partner who is emotionally unavailable is like a startup with no cash flow—burning through resources and always in crisis mode.
Healthy relationships require reciprocity, presence, and emotional bandwidth. If your love is always in limbo or one-sided, it’s time to audit that investment.

4. Don’t Mistake Volatility for Value

This is where many people get hooked: the highs are intoxicating, the lows are devastating—and it feels real.
But in reality? That’s emotional whiplash, not intimacy. A truly high-value relationship won’t destabilize you. It won’t require constant repair. It will compound quietly, deepening over time. Stability is the new sexy.

In both business and love, it’s not about short-term spikes—it’s about sustained growth. Be as strategic with your heart as you are with your career. Your emotional ROI depends on it.