Seeking in the Sticks (Part 2)

Meeting Madigan

Welcome to part two of Seeking in the Sticks! If you’re new to this series, click here for part one.

Escaping the Algorithm

It’s one thing to type your deepest desires for your spouse and fears about dating into an online form. It’s another thing entirely to say them out loud to a stranger across a screen.

As much as I hate dating apps, they do offer a sense of control. I can workshop my bio to the nth degree, and I know exactly what people will see when I’m done. If I decide to change how I present myself later, I can just serve up a new first impression for the algorithm.

But that’s not real life. And that’s the problem.

In an effort to put myself out there, I had to become a one-woman business. I was the recruiter, the screening committee, the scheduling coordinator, and the marketing department, all while trying to make long-term decisions like a CEO. Frankly, I’m exhausted.

When I logged onto a video call with Madigan, I was finally able to take off some of those hats.

She Told Me to Treat Her Like a Realtor

When you’re looking for a house, you don’t feel guilty telling a realtor you need a specific number of bedrooms or a backyard for the dog. You’re honest about the “must-haves” and the “deal-breakers” because that’s the only way they can find your home.

Madigan encouraged me to be just as unapologetic about my heart. She reminded me that my desires for a spouse aren’t “extra”—the Lord gave them to me for a reason.

At the same time, she offered a healthy reality check: this isn’t build-a-spouse. She’s looking for a real person, which means he will have flaws. And there will be things about the men I meet through her service that may not be my idea of a perfect fit right away. 

Madigan made it clear she does care a LOT about her matches. She even mentioned that she’s canceled a meeting before because she “didn’t have peace” about the couple being a good fit. Hearing that made me trust her instantly.

I Feel Seen

Madigan asked to hear more about the hobbies and interests I mentioned on the intake form. As we talked, I could see her eyes light up. She would occasionally start geeking out over her database, her fingers clicking away as she processed what I was saying.

Then she said something that caught me off guard: “You need a dreamer. Someone who believes in you more than you believe in yourself.”

I hadn't used the word “dreamer” on the form. I hadn’t even consciously realized it myself. But as soon as Madigan said it, I knew it was true. She saw my reaction and said, “I see you.”

She wasn't just looking at my profile; she was looking at my heart. And knowing she sees it so clearly gives me hope that maybe she can find a heart that’s a good fit for mine.

This Might Actually Work

Near the end, the conversation turned to the financial side of things, but there was no pressure. She gave me the space to think, and honestly? The incentives feel like they’re in the right place. Madigan actually wants me to get married. 

She’s not trying to keep me subscribed to an algorithm. She’s trying to get me off the market.

Sitting there, watching her get excited about the possibilities for my future, her confidence rubbed off on me. Maybe this will actually be the beginning of my love story. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

— Seeking in the Sticks

Know a single dreamer? Encourage him to join my date-a-base! Who knows? Maybe this is his future wife ;)