Pro tips to find Mr Perfect

South Africa's lawyers and doctors may not need a man to be financially secure but are desperately seeking help to find Mr Right.

"Love coach" Bonita Grobbelaar was not surprised when her Find Mr Right workshop was booked out just days after the event was announced earlier this month.

"These women have excelled in all other areas of their life and are not willing to settle. They are looking for an exceptional man.

"They are not looking for someone to complete them, but rather looking for a person who can add further value to an already fabulous life. Sometimes they need help in finding this person."

Professional women prioritise their careers and then, when they do start looking for Mr Right, they end up dating from a mindset of scarcity, said Grobbelaar.

"What happens when something is scarce? You either sit with nothing or with the wrong thing. My aim is to get people out there dating with a mindset of abundance."

Perfect Partners and MatchVIP matchmaker Shannon Davidoff said truly strong and smart women don't need a man but want Mr Right for the "right" reasons: "To be cherished, adored, and have a partner in life's journey, sharing responsibility and building a future together, with mutual respect."

Davidoff said modern men are learning to appreciate strong, independent women but are not attracted to "ice queens" or "Cruella de Vils" who expect them to be a mere audience to their success.

A 41-year-old Pretoria researcher has tried online dating and even a professional matchmaking service but is still searching for her Mr Right.

"I certainly don't need a man but success can be lonely. I want to come home after a long day at the office and cuddle up with someone who appreciates me."

But some professional women still believe in fate.

"I won't attend a workshop or sign up for online dating. I believe it will just happen. I am sure my Mr Right is out there. I just haven't found him as yet," said a 39-year-old Durban doctor.

TOO MANY MR WRONGS … AND TOO FEW MR RIGHTS

What factors are keeping Miss Independent Professional from finding Mr Right?

• Physical appearance: Only 18% of men would date an overweight woman. Shallow! But how many women would date shorter men?
• Social life: Are you getting out there, doing things you love doing, while meeting great men?
• Time/commitment/priority: Are you going to put your career second and your love life first?
• Fear: Of being hurt again, commitment or the unknown.
• Dating and relationship competence: Not understanding how to navigate through dates confidently, competently and with dignity intact.

- Source: Love Coach Bonita