On Monday night, Australia watched as ‘millionaire’ businessman, Justin, appeared on Married At First Sight to meet his scientifically-matched ‘true love’ at the altar.
The Sydney-based entrepreneur detailed his ‘successful’ business portfolio and his love of the ‘finer things in life’ – from lavish boating weekends to (strictly first or business class) overseas getaways to Europe and Dubai.
Despite this, the 41-year-old divorcee appeared lonely and longed for a woman to enjoy his luxe lifestyle with. It remains to be seen whether this woman is Carly, his ‘bride’.
So what do millionaires really look for in a life partner? And do their needs and wants differ from those with less money in the bank?
On Monday night, Australia watched as ‘millionaire’ businessman, Justin, appeared on Married At First Sight to meet his scientifically matched ‘true love’ at the altar
The Sydney-based entrepreneur detailed his ‘successful’ business portfolio and his love of the ‘finer things in life’ – from lavish boating weekends to overseas getaways
FEMAIL’s relationship expert and Perth-based Millionaire Matchmaker, Louanne Ward, said it’s best to start by first looking at the challenges faced by a ‘high-wealth individual’.
‘Yes, it’s true, they have money, lifestyle, respect, intelligence and commitment, but like the rest of us who know money can’t buy you love, it can only buy you options,’ Louanne said.
‘Love is a whole new story all together. Much like a very attractive person, most people believe it would be easier for them to find love, but truth be told, neither money nor looks makes the search for love any easier.
FEMAIL’s relationship expert and Perth-based Millionaire Matchmaker, Louanne Ward, said it’s best to start by first looking at the challenges faced by a ‘high-wealth individual’
‘Let’s look at Justin. He loves materialistic things and his job but couldn’t answer the question on whether he was happy. Success comes at a cost, you have to make time and set boundaries between your personal life and business.’
Louanne said having financial freedom and a five star lifestyle can actually put a strain on relationships and make it harder to find a partner.
‘Most commonly, many millionaires want the best in life and this essentially spills over into a relationship,’ she said.
‘For men being “visual”, they seek beautiful women. Being the envy of their peers is a normal part of life, so finding a suitable partner who has the looks is definitely important for a man.
‘Yes, it’s true, they have money, lifestyle, respect, intelligence and commitment, but like the rest of us who know money can’t buy you love, it can only buy you options,’ Louanne said
Justin was matched with marketing manager, Carly, but her bridesmaids were less than impressed with the entrepreneur
‘For a woman, she has the desire to meet someone who is more her equal financially and intellectually. Looks are important but secondary to the mental and emotional connection.
‘Many successful women are uncomfortable paying for her man where men rarely have an issue dating women who are not financially stable.’
Louanne said single millionaires find it difficult to meet new people.
‘They can’t expose themselves to the online world as maintaining privacy is paramount,’ she said.
‘For men being “visual”, they seek beautiful women. Being the envy of their peers is a normal part of life, so finding a suitable partner who has the looks is definitely important for a man,’ she said
‘In a world full of options and attention, it’s hard to be certain what is real and what is not – as we heard Justin comment – “You don’t know who is dating you for your money and who is in it for you”.’
Louanne said the needs of a high wealth client are somewhat different to others.
‘They require a partner who has the ability to fit into all social circles, who has class and intelligence but more so, they want someone who is real,’ she said.
‘It’s sometimes even more important that the common interests are linked.
‘For the millionaire who likes boating and skiing or who does lots of business when entertaining over dinners, it’s important that their partner can be seen as an all-rounder and fit in with spouses of other friends and business associates.
‘For a woman, she has the desire to meet someone who is more her equal financially and intellectually. Looks are important but secondary to the mental and emotional connection,’ Louanne said
It remains to be seen whether Carly meets the ‘high expectations’ of Justin
‘The way they dress, speak, interact and their intelligence is also important. No successful person wants to date someone who can’t hold down a conversation, however they also don’t want someone who is controlling and dominating. They get enough of that from the outside world.’
Louanne warned that millionaires can also come across as arrogant and this shouldn’t be acceptable.
‘Their arrogance of money doesn’t buy them the right to get away with everything and bragging,’ she said.
‘The way they dress, speak, interact and their intelligence is also important. No successful person wants to date someone who can’t hold down a conversation,’ she said
‘We saw last night on MAFS how off-putting it was when listening to Justin talk about how he only flies business or first class when travelling. His reality can come across as portraying an image of “I’m better than you” or “I’m so precious, I couldn’t lower myself that way”.’
At the end of the day, a wealthy single is more likely to match with someone who doesn’t know about their true wealth.
‘When I work with high wealth clients, I believe in the approach of less is more,’ she said.
‘The less I share about clients’ wealth, the more likely I am to find a perfect match for them.’