Bay Area

From Heartbreak to Happily Ever After: How Linx Was Born

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Most people don’t look back on heartbreak with gratitude. But in my case, a painful breakup became the unlikely spark that launched my life’s calling.

In the early 2000s, I was living in San Francisco when I met someone at a networking event. Our relationship drew me down to Silicon Valley—a part of the Bay Area I hadn’t explored growing up in Mill Valley. What I found surprised me: a social ecosystem unlike anything I had ever seen.

There was an abundance of eligible, accomplished men… and yet, a shortage of women in the same circles. His friends would quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) ask me to set them up. Meanwhile, my girlfriends in San Francisco lamented how impossible it felt to meet decent, available men. It was as if the puzzle pieces were scattered across two cities but no one was putting them together. That’s when the lightbulb went off: what if I bridged the gap?

From Connector to Cupid

Matchmaking wasn’t such a leap. I had always been the connector type—the person who instinctively knew which two people should meet. With a degree in communications from USC, some early career chapters in PR and finance, and a natural entrepreneurial streak, I realized I could channel my instincts into something much bigger.

In 2003, I officially launched Linx Dating. The name was simple yet symbolic: linking two people together, with the “x” serving as both a hug and a nod to Silicon Valley’s precision. What started with a few referrals grew organically into a curated community of some of the most extraordinary people in the Bay Area—and eventually, the world.

A Different Kind of Matchmaking

Forget the clichés of old-world yentas. Linx was never about volume or gimmicks—it was about discernment. My clients are brilliant, high-achieving individuals: startup founders, professors, C-suite executives, even international royalty. They excel in their careers but often feel frustrated when it comes to love.

Through personal interviews, guided reflection, and yes, plenty of “homework,” I work with each client to define the core DNA of what makes a lasting partnership. In the early days, I leaned on scientific assessments; now, after thousands of meetings and two decades of experience, I know that chemistry, intuition, and timing matter just as much. I often say 85% of what I do is intuition—fine-tuned from years of listening deeply, observing patterns, and sensing when two people are truly aligned. 

Walking the Walk

Of course, being a matchmaker didn’t mean my own love story came easily. My single years unfolded long before dating apps like Bumble or Hinge. Back then, I was putting myself on Match.com, Yahoo Personals, and eHarmony. Obviously, I was never going to date my clients, which made things even more challenging. And for me—as a single founder and strong woman—many men were not comfortable with the idea of me running my own business, particularly as a professional matchmaker.

It was a very challenging journey. Ultimately, I decided to move from San Francisco back to Palo Alto, because I felt the community and lifestyle there would better serve me in finding my future husband. And I was right.

Serendipity struck when a friend set me up on a blind date with the man who would become my husband. That first date lasted nine hours. ;-)  At the end of the night, he walked me back to my little apartment on Forest Avenue in Palo Alto and said he wanted to see me again—the very next day. Sure enough, we had our second date right away, and from then on, we were essentially exclusive. It was just right. Nine months later, he proposed. Today we share a beautiful marriage and a son. My own story reminds me—and my clients—that when it’s right, it truly is right.

Love, Curated

Today, I continue to do what I love most: helping extraordinary men and women find each other. Linx offers different membership tiers, from entry-level to highly bespoke VIP engagements that involve exhaustive searches across the globe. But regardless of tier, I remind everyone of one truth: matchmaking is not about guarantees, it’s about increasing the probability of love.

And many times, for the lucky few I get to call my clients, love arrives through Linx. What matters most is keeping an open heart and putting in the effort.

If there’s one final piece of advice I can offer, it’s this: don’t judge too quickly. Slow down. Pay attention. Give the person in front of you the chance to surprise you. Every experience—every heartbreak, every near miss, every false start—is a stepping stone that brings you closer to the relationship you truly deserve.

That, in essence, is the mission of Linx: to remind you that love isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of courage, clarity, and connection.

Networking Mixer in Silicon Valley | 02/10/24

Dear Friends,

We're thrilled to extend an exclusive invitation to you for an evening of creating new personal connections at our first-ever event collaboration with the innovative matchmaking company, DateSpot

Details:

🗓️ Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

⏰ Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Park James Hotel

Experience:

  • Wine-tasting booths from local wineries

  • Founder/CEO of Linx Dating, Amy Andersen, dubbed “The Cupid of Silicon Valley” will have a table at event. Come say hi, learn more about Linx matchmaking, and ask Amy anything dating/relationship related!

  • Play the guest quiz to easily get to know people and have a chance to win a weekend stay at Park James Hotel

  • Matchmaking consultation & profile photo review with DateSpot's Founder (Carla)

  • A professional quality great photo to update your potential Date Spot profile done onsite by a photographer

Discounts:

  • $9 cocktail specials (including a delightful mocktail for non-drinkers)

  • Enjoy a 10% discount on dinner reservations that night (show your ticket)

  • Stay overnight for a special $199 room rate (book here)

Ticket Details:

Tickets are available here.

Secure your ticket now for this fantastic evening of mingling and fun in Silicon Valley!

XO,

Cupid

What Are Some Red Flags to Look for When Dating Someone New?

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Red flags come in all shapes and sizes, from subtle hints that something isn't quite right between the two of you, to more obvious signs that should make you stop and take notice. In this blog post we'll explore some red flags which could indicate trouble is brewing in your budding romance—so read on and arm yourself with knowledge.

Lack of communication 

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. If your partner refuses to share their thoughts and feelings with you, or if they're uninterested in hearing yours, this could be an indicator that the connection isn't as strong as it needs to be for lasting success. Without clear dialogue between partners, true intimacy can’t flourish—look out for signs that conversations are falling on deaf ears.

Always talking about themselves 

A successful relationship requires more than just one person's devotion; both partners must make a conscious effort to be engaged and show respect for the other. If you're noticing that your date talks without pause about themselves, it could be an indication they aren't interested in a balanced give-and-take dynamic where both of you are heard.

Possessiveness  

Possessiveness can be a slippery slope, often disguised as love. From wanting to know your every move and what you're wearing to trying to dictate who's in or out of your life - this controlling behavior needs watching for warning signs that it might turn into something more damaging down the line.

Jealousy 

A little jealousy can be cute, but excessive jealousy is a huge red flag. If your partner is constantly accusing you of cheating or interrogating you about your whereabouts, it's time to reevaluate the relationship. Jealousy can also lead to controlling behavior and can be a sign of deeper issues like insecurity or possessiveness.

A lot of talk about the ex

If your date is constantly bringing up their ex, that's a red flag. It could indicate that they're not over their past relationship or that they're still holding onto resentment. Either way, it's not a good sign for your future together.

Insecurity 

This is one of the most dangerous threats to a relationship, manifesting as jealousy and possessiveness which erode trust between partners. Look for signs like belittling behavior or an overly low sense of self-worth in your spouse - these could signal insecurity that needs to be addressed before it takes hold over your connection with them.

Dishonesty

Trust is a cornerstone of any relationship, and if your partner is constantly lying to you, it's a major red flag. Whether it's about small things like where they were last night or big things like their financial situation, dishonesty can erode trust and make it difficult to build a healthy relationship.

Anger issues

If your partner has a quick temper and frequently loses their cool, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can escalate into physical or emotional abuse and can make it difficult for  your partner to have a healthy relationship.​

Lack of empathy

If your partner seems incapable of putting themselves in your shoes and understanding your feelings, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can make it difficult for your partner to have a healthy relationship and can also indicate a lack of emotional intelligence. 

It's important to be aware of the red flags that can signal trouble in a relationship. Whether it's lack of communication, controlling behavior, or dishonesty, these red flags can be warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Remember that these red flags can sometimes be signs of deeper issues and that your date hasn’t yet processed or addressed. Just remember to trust your instincts, be honest with yourself, and seek help if you need it, and you'll be able to navigate the dating world with confidence.


How To Keep The Spark Alive In a Relationship

UpJourney’s Article Written by The Editors, How to Keep the Spark Alive in a Relationship (60+ Exciting Ways) features contributions from Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating (Visit UpJourney to view the full article)

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

A relationship can start in a whirlwind of excitement and euphoria but suddenly fade without a single spark left behind. 

It can be challenging to always feel the spark between you and your partner, especially if you have been together a long time and have yet to place effort into rekindling that spark. It is a cohesive effort from both partners to bring back or maintain that fiery connection you felt and drew you together initially. 

Here are my three tips to rekindle that spark with your partner:

  • Discuss what drew you together initially

  • Prioritize communication

  • Do something playful


Talk about what drew you together initially over a romantic dinner date

When wanting to reignite that spark, it’s essential to slow down and bring back focus to romance. Share one and others’ company over a romantic dinner date curated to highlight shared feelings of love and connection you built your relationship on.


Prioritize communication through a shared activity 

Getting that spark back in a relationship takes consistent effort; it does not happen “eventually.” It mandates direct communication between partners. 

Spend quality time with your partner doing something it does not need to be extravagant or some unwanted task, do an activity together, kayak or go hiking, or do something as simple as a walk around the block. Create an environment to communicate openly by sharing a joint activity.


Do something playful to nurture your inner child

Be carefree and have a relaxed headspace where you’re not thinking so hard. Do something playful or goofy, like a theme or amusement park, trampoline park, paint, or ceramic classes. 

Nurture your inner child together! If you want things to be exciting again in your relationship, then get excited about something together.

How to Avoid Losing Your Identity in a Relationship

By Dani Geary for Linx Dating

Newfound love brings with it a strong current that can sweep you up in the excitement of your new relationship. And habits that have turned into routines in long-term relationships can appear too burdensome to shift. It's so easy to get sucked up in that vacuum of infatuation with a new relationship or stick to old routines where self-nurturing is left by the wayside. However, the long-term effect of only focusing on your relationship's development and deprioritizing your individual identity outside of your partner can have a detrimental impact not only on the relationship but on self-esteem and personal development. 

Here are five tips to ensure that beyond the passion of a new relationship or the comfort of routine in a long-term one, you can emphasize maintaining personal growth and your sense of identity outside of your partnership. 

1. Spend 5 minutes at the end of your day on personal reflection

While it may seem straightforward to spend five minutes with yourself with no distractions, the intention during this time of reflection is vital. Check in with yourself for just five minutes and ask yourself these questions:  How did you nurture yourself today? Did you do something for yourself that made you smile, no matter how small? If not, what is something you can do before bed?  A short investment of your time daily can exponentially decrease feelings that you're losing your identity. 

2. Do not let go of your hobbies and passions 

With a new partner, it can be easy to desire more joint activities. But, actively choose to give yourself and your partner the space to continue your own hobbies and activities. Do not forget yourself in the process and continue to do the things you enjoyed before your relationship. Make a point to immerse yourself in the passions and hobbies that fed your soul before your relationship.

3. Continue to spend time and stay in touch with friends 

When in a relationship, it is normal to have a shift in how you manage your time and with whom you spend it.  But, it can be easy to slip into a negative pattern of always spending time with a significant other in place of the time you would spend with friends or family. Negative practices that can develop in romantic relationships can impact non-romantic relationships with close friends or family.  While you have a relationship to nurture, many friendships will likely require a degree of relationship maintenance behaviors for closeness. Make a point to maintain your other relationships by reaching out by message, calling, or setting times to meet up for coffee or dinner to check in with the other parts of your support system outside your partner. 

4. Try new things with and without your partner 

New experiences are food for our souls and development. Pushing yourself to engage outside your habitual routines with new activities can encourage the growth of your mind, from trying new cuisines to encountering a person and hearing stories you'd otherwise never know. 

5. Always trust yourself 

In relationships, asking your partner about big decisions and goals is standard practice. These conversations can be challenging for couples as both parties have the equal ability to share and provide advice (not always desired advice). Ultimately, you need to always listen to your inner voice when it comes to chasing something you feel passionate about and trust yourself. The right partner will be there to support you in your ventures and uplift your dreams.