Mistakes that people make all the time, according to a matchmaker

Claudia Duran has seen everything.

The Miami founder works with the Elite Connections dating service, and she helped everyone from a 35-year-old MBA whose family pays for her membership to a 73-year-old widower who is the CEO of a real commercial company-company.

But Duran has seen people from all walks of life fall into the same trap when it comes to finding a relationship. We spoke by phone this summer, and she talked to me about some of the most common pitfalls – and how to avoid them.

Being too embarrassed to tell friends that you are looking for a relationship

Friends are a great resource for finding potential dates, Duran said. But people can be unnecessarily embarrassed by their romantic ambitions.

It's about being "a little more communicative and vulnerable," Duran said. In other words, telling your friends, "Hey, I'm really looking to meet someone special, do you know anyone you could introduce me to?"

As Duran said: "Ask and you will receive".

Another alternative suggested by Duran is to go out to clubs, sports games, charity events, etc. – The goal is to find someone who shares your interests.

Play Games Instead of Being Frank About Your Feelings

Too many Duran customers complain to her, "He [or she] did not call" or, "Why do not you? He did not [or she] make an appointment? "A better option, says Duran, is to simply tell the person you see:" I love you, I really love you, I think that you are so cool. "

Chances are, they will be satisfied with your honesty – and could even return the favor. "People like that, and they respond well to that," said Duran.

Texting Everything Instead of Talking on the Telephone or in Person

Duran's personal term is "death by text". This happens when two people like it, but are reluctant to make their feelings too obvious. So they hide behind a screen.

Still, Duran said that the meaning of a text message can be easily "misinterpreted". And some people take offense if their partner waits (apparently) long before answering.

Duran encourages all of his clients to talk on the phone or meet in person whenever possible. "Especially when they start having feelings for each other," she said. "It's really important."