Michelle de Lange on dusting oneself off, travel dreams, and the beginning of something amazing
A global matchmaker and life coach writes about singles and the holiday season, what makes life worth living, and being loved in spite of one’s flaws.
1Which fond memories do you have of your childhood years?
I grew up in a very loving home. I have fond memories of my parents who taught me the importance of love and family. We went on a family holiday twice a year, Easter and Christmas. We went camping along the KZN coast. Those were some of my favourite memories.
2 You know what it feels like to start over in life. What would you say to someone who feels like they’re at the bottom of a dark hole?
You are not alone. You deserve better. Dust yourself off, pick yourself up, work on becoming the best version of you. Life is a gift and you deserve to be happy. This is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning of something amazing.
3 As a matchmaker, you attended the Global Matchmaker Conference in 2023. Please elaborate.
I have a bucket list for what I would like to achieve while being a Matchmaker. Attending the Global Love Conference was one of them. It was held in the UK in 2023. I got to rub shoulders with and learn from some of thee most amazing global Matchmakers.
Here Michelle explains how personalised matchmaking can help individuals find authentic long-term relationships.
4 It will be Christmas soon, and you are very aware of people approaching the holiday season on their own. What is your wish for them?
This is never an easy time of the year for singles. I would encourage them to keep busy by joining online activity groups, volunteering at different charities, travel with a friend, learn a language, register for an online course, learn how to cook or bake, learn how to dance etc. Keeping busy will help distract you.
5 You’re the proud mom of two children. What do they do, and what do you appreciate about them?
I have a 37 year old daughter who has her Academic Honours in psychology. She has tried several times to apply for her Masters. Unfortunately SA only accepts a limited number on a yearly basis. I have a 35 year old son who has his Honours Degree in Motion Picture Medium. He has worked with a few production companies and is freelancing at the moment as there is very little work available in his industry.
My kids are my world. They make life worth living.
6 Tell us about the special furry creature sharing your home.
Her name is Bubbles and we are her thrd family. She stole my heart when someone advertised her on Facebook. She is so loving - lights up my world.
7 You love travelling. Which destinations are on your bucket list?
If I could, I would live out of my suitcase and travel nonstop. My bucket list is Venice & the rest of Italy, The Northern Lights, Germany, Switzerland, Maldives, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Brazil, Mexico and Thailand.
8 Do you have a favourite saying, quote or line from a song related to romantic love?
A song called Flaws by Calum Scott; I love every word of the song - it has so much meaning.
There's a million different reasons why I love you
And I'm sure that I could find a million more
There's not a single thing that I would change about you
You're picture perfect just the way you are
So show me every mark and every scar
'Cause I want you
And all your flaws
If you're looking for perfection
Take a look in your reflection
'Cause I got mine
But I want yours
When you feel like you ain't beautiful
Just remember, I'm in love with all your flaws
I know sometimes you feel like you are worthless
But I wish that you could see you through my eyes
You're amazing in your heart out to the surface
Don't cover up the pain you feel inside
'Cause you can tell me anything I promise, I, oh
I want you
And all your flaws
If you're looking for perfection
Take a look in your reflection
'Cause I got mine
But I want yours
And if you feel like you ain't beautiful
Just remember, I'm in love with all your flaws
Image: Unsplash
You've been hiding things that I just really love about you
So promise me you'll be yourself and no one else because
I want you
And all your flaws
If you're looking for perfection
Take a look in your reflection
'Cause I got mine
But I want yours
If you feel like you ain't beautiful
Just remember, I'm in love with all your flaws
I want you
And all your flaws
I want you
And all your flaws
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Calum Scott / Jonathan Michael Maguire / Jordan Schmidt
Flaws lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
More about Michelle
Michelle de Lange is a certified global matchmaker, love recruiter and life coach from Johannesburg. She is the founder and CEO of Miingle.
Website: https://miingle.co.za/
Tel. +27 79 119 9517
Email: michelle@miingle.co.za
LinkedIn: Michelle de Lange
Instagram: miinglesa
Thumbnail: Unsplash
Images of Michelle and Bubbles: supplied