You need a romance portfolio
If this was titled ‘You need a professional portfolio’, you would be fine with it. In fact, you are likely to respond to that with telling me what you already have.
Then, you will read through whatever I had to say to convince yourself that what you already had was perfect.
We are more intentional with a professional life that can change with one accident, country policy or a desire to explore something new than we are concerned about the partner who would stay with us through any accident, economic condition, and life’s adventures.
A romance portfolio is a collated version of your most authentic, creative and adventurous self that you would love to share with a partner. It is an invitation for them to come into your world and a library to remind you of joy and living.
The first time I wrote my marriage CV, I was blown away when I wrote out my mandate, quirks etc. It was funny, then serious, then wow… I remembered writing a particular section and thinking “I am not small”.
My friends have said that to me a hundred times in different ways but it did not hit me as much until I wrote out what I wanted my romantic partner to know about me.
It does not have to be massive but it has to be intentional. For me, I ask my clients to create just two things: A Marriage CV & a photo album.
Today, I want us to focus on the photo album as it is the most overlooked. You need pictures (and videos if possible) to recruit family and friends as your matchmakers. How then do you create those pictures?
https://lizachuma.com/dating-irl/recruiting-your-family-and-friends-as-your-matchmaker/
1️⃣ Focus on mobile photography: you do not feel the pressure to be professional, take on lead character energy & pressure, be different etc. You can get to work anywhere at any time. You also eliminate the excuse of cost and can take as many pictures as required.
2️⃣ Get a friend: if you are not a picture person, that’s understandable. Yet, we all tend to have that one friend who loves photos. Even if you are only going to do this once, get a friend who can help you enjoy yourself.
3️⃣ Everywhere is your studio: home photos are most candid. Home is everywhere you are yourself and enjoy yourself. For me, this includes taking pictures when I feel “like a fairy” and sometimes, that’s 4:00 AM in the morning before I get into InnerFam. Other days, it’s after a long day’s work when I’m full of regrets.
4️⃣ Play dress up: I don’t know if grown men play dress up but we all loved it as kids. Remember that friend, this is what that friend is for if you chicken out. Use a stylist if you are someone who likes the flare (your grandchildren will love this collection).
5️⃣ Take pictures of your life: you may never share them but if you were to be in love today, your romantic partner has sufficient materials to inspire conversations the same way seeing pictures of our ancestors have made us ask questions we would otherwise never have.
Finally, share these pictures with trusted people even if you won’t share on social media. Share with people who can say to someone, “I know someone who would make a great match”. Also, backup these pictures please.
Not to be cheeky, if you have met your person, you will be in your relationship by now. If you are still single, maybe you genuinely don’t know how to reach your person and it’s okay. Let other people help you.