When I was a young girl, I remember that my older sisters would have suitors, talabih, come to the house. This would happen, for instance, after my sisters attended church or a party and a young man or his relatives would see and inquire about them. My mom would receive a phone call asking if my sister was interested in seeing a potential marriage prospect. Then the young man and his mother or aunt would come for a visit. The conversations would usually be about anything but marriage. The next day, if the man was interested, his relatives would place a call to our home and ask “What did the girl say? Would she like to see him again?” If so, after just a few more visits, perhaps even a chaperoned date, an engagement was announced and wedding plans began.

Although I also saw my share of suitors, it was the 1970s and I noticed that times were changing. My sisters were born in Iraq, and I was born and raised in Detroit. I saw that newer generations of girls were more inclined to want to date without chaperones and make their own choices for who they would marry. Often girls dated without the knowledge or approval of their parents, as dating in general was frowned upon. It was commonly felt that if girls dated and things didn’t work out, their reputations would be tainted and it would be harder for them to find suitable mates.

In 1972, I founded the Chaldean-American Youth Club (CAYC) in an effort to connect single Chaldeans with one another. The CAYC lasted over a decade. Among the many matches that naturally arose from the CAYC, I met my husband to whom I have been happily married for over 25 years.

After reflecting on the history of Chaldean dating practices in America, I concluded that we needed a confidential service that introduces Chaldean singles to compatible matches within the community. That is why I started MATCHaldean. I believe that one of the most important aspects in life is our relationships with others and I realize the importance of having a partner who is compatible on many levels. Who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make—more important than where you go to school, where you live or what you do for a living.

Try MATCHaldean and see what the Chaldean community has to offer. We encourage Chaldeans to marry Chaldeans so our community will continue to flourish. At engagements and weddings Chaldean singles are often told:
“Yomah ta loukhoun” (May your wedding day come).
May your wedding day come next through MATCHaldean!


Theresa has a Master’s Degree in Education with a Bilingual Endorsement in Chaldean/Aramaic Studies. She has also taken Marriage and Family courses at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.