Diaspora Dating Gets a Glow-Up: A Q&A with Narineh of Achkt Louys Armenian Matchmaking
Armenian matchmaking is getting a glow-up, and Narineh Abrimian is at the heart of it. As a certified matchmaker and relationship coach, she’s helping Armenian diasporans in the United States date smart with heart. Achkt Louys, her boutique matchmaking service, offers a personalized approach to connection- one that makes space for shared values, life goals, and genuine compatibility.
In this candid Q&A, Narineh shares why she started matchmaking, what green flags to look for, and why you don’t always feel sparks on the first date. (Spoiler alert: it has everything to do with charm.)
KE: What made you start Achkt Louys? Be honest, was it your own dating life?
NARINEH: I launched Achkt Louys for millions of reasons – and my dating experiences is for sure one of those reasons, ha! At the core of my launch of Achkt Louys is my long-time passion for understanding relationships — how they develop, what makes them last, and how we can love better, especially through the science and research-based lens. I’ve always been the “go-to” dating coach for friends and family, and it’s something I truly enjoy. I love seeing happy couples, and I want to help build more loving connections — especially in our Armenian community
As Armenians, especially first-generation, there’s a lot of cultural pressure and emphasis on getting married and having children, but there’s not enough conversation around how to build a healthy, lasting relationship. Marriage isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point. With many couples facing challenges like communication struggles and growing apart, it’s more important than ever that we create space for support, learning, and growth — both individually and together.
I became a certified matchmaker and certified dating and relationship coach to combine science with heart, and help our community build strong, thriving partnerships.
KE: What would you say to someone interested in your services but afraid it’s “too traditional”?
There is definitely the “traditional” matchmaking where the Medz-Mamas and Tantigs connect you with their friend’s single sons or daughters – and I think this is the most loving and wholesome act; however, often times, they haven’t met the person they are trying to connect you to. With Achkt Louys, I personally meet and speak with each of my clients for at least an hour, getting to know them and what they’re looking for in a partnership. Matches are meticulously curated based on shared core values, relationship goals, and lifestyles.
KE: If you could give every Armenian diasporan three pieces of advice before they start dating, what would they be?
NARINEH:
Choose someone willing to put in the work with you, because it will be necessary in the long run during the inevitably difficult times. Choose the person you would want to parent your children, the one who will stand by you and support you during both the ups and downs that life throws at us, not only the highs.
Understand sparks and butterflies do not always happen on first dates – and if they do, it’s often simply because your date (or you!) is very attractive, charming, and/or good at flirting. A healthy start to a partnership might feel “boring” to those whose patterns have been chasing chemistry and sparks. My advice: if you enjoyed getting to know them as a person on the first date, always give it a second and third.
Despite being the “Armenian Matchmaker”, I am not one who stresses for Armenians to marry strictly within our own ethnicity. My heart truly believes that everyone deserves to find their person and build a happy partnership, but that doesn't always mean that person needs to be Armenian. Life is too short, and if we meet someone not Armenian with whom we feel a deep connection, we owe it to ourselves (and them!) to pursue and build something beautiful.
In a world where dating can feel rushed, transactional, or just plain confusing, Achkt Louys is a reminder that love can be intentional AND romantic! Narineh reminds us that her work isn’t about perfect algorithms or perfect people, it’s about thoughtful matchmaking that honors who you are and what you’re ready for. Because the right relationship isn’t just about timing or charm, it’s about choosing someone you can build a future with (and wake up to every day, again and again).
Learn more and sign up at https://www.achktlouysmatchmaking.com/.
