"Everyone has qualities that are compatible to our own on a short-term basis," says Cissy Sweeney, regional manager for Introductions in Innsbrook. "The combination of physical attraction and these compatible areas cause relationships to be very promising in the early stages. It may take months, even years to discover that this person is not long-term compatible with you."

We've all heard someone say "we've grown apart." "Truthfully," Sweeney says, "we did not grow apart. When we finally got to know our partners, we discovered enough incompatible areas to make one of us wish not to continue the relationship.

In business since 1991, Introductions is a personalized introduction service. The company has five offices in Virginia - Virginia Beach, Newport News, Innsbrook, Charlottesville and Staunton. It has over 20,000 members throughout the state, with more than 6,000 members in the metro Richmond area.

What can Introductions do for you? "We can make sure that you do not have to put on a facade with the people you meet through our service," Sweeney explains. "These people want to meet you very simply because you are the way you are." The selection process is very thorough. After filling out a questionnaire, members participate in a confidential 90-minute interview with professionally trained matchmakers, who have completed an extensive three-month training program. The interview is followed by a number of psychological and compatibility tests that result in the work-up of a profile of the member, complete with personal preferences.

"All of these methods ensure a reputable person whose company you can enjoy to the fullest and who is in the right frame of mind to meet you in a serious-minded way," Sweeney says, adding "Most of our members come in because they are selective. Opposites attract but similars make for long-lasting relationships."

Membership is usually equally divided between genders and age groups. "We tend to draw in serious minded individuals and busy professionals who don't have time to meet people," Sweeney says. "This is a wonderful way to meet people you know are compatible with you and who are single and ready to date."

After each introduction, members provide feedback to the company. "We feel that 70 percent of our members are happy, and most will meet someone special," Sweeney says. "We've had lots of people get married."

A native of the Washington, DC area, Sweeney joined the company in 1993. "At the time, I was divorced and single and agreed that it was tough meeting people," she explains. "I thought there was a great need for a service like ours."

Since joining Introductions, Sweeney has enjoyed working with members. "I feel like you can make a difference in someone's life," she says. "I find the business exciting."

by Joan Tupponce, Special Correspondent