A few weeks ago, I had written on the 10K Batay Yisroel feedback forum stating how this initiative inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone to network.
At the time, I mentioned 3 shidduchim which were in the preliminary stages. I now have an update of how each panned out. One suggestion never went on a date (yet!), another never made it past the first date and the third just got engaged on Thursday!
On Chol Hamoed Sukkot, I was sitting with my 16 year old brother and decided to broach the subject of shidduchim (thanks to this initiative!). I asked him to tell me about all the guys he knows which are of eligible age. The description of his dorm counselor seemed to match up with a good friend of mine and I decided to redt the shidduch. It took a bit of time to actually get them to go out due to various circumstances, but now the rest is history:)
As I initially stated in the feedback forum, this initiative gave me the extra “push” to network. Sometimes all you need is to pick up the phone, approach someone you are not acquainted with, or just start a dialogue. This can lead to life changing results.
At first, I feared some may be insulted if I was off base with my suggestion, but I find that most people are grateful that you are thinking of them.
Although this is the first suggestion which led to an engagement, I hope it will be the first of many and should be an Aliyah Neshama for both Elisheva and Yisroel!