MILWAUKEE - In this tough economy, there's one business that's still booming: Love!

Someone to hold hands with...or sit by the lake with...or just take a stroll with.

In these tough economic times we may not be able to control our finances, but we can control our hearts. Judy Bruett is a psychotherapist and relationship expert. She says people have a different view of relationships during a recession.

"I think that it really is people looking at their values, and the value in relationship, and the value of having someone there with you," she explains.

While people may not want to pay for a matchmaker, there has been a big boom in free matchmaking Web sites like www.plentyoffish.com

So we went along on a 'Plenty of Fish' meet and greet at Victor's Bar in Milwaukee...to hear what singles are saying.

Candie Koepke is casual about it: "Mingle, meet some new people."

Reggie Sims is a little more direct: "I am out here mingling with all the fine ladies out here."

Event organizers say attendance at social gatherings has skyrocketed in the past few months. Paul Justice has organized several events in the past.

"People are, they're definitely looking. Looking out there to find that special someone, to make their day much better, that they don't have to worry how much money they make, or how many bills they have--they can find that special someone to spend time with," Justice explains.

So why do these slow economic times make the heart race? Bruett says it's a trend she's seen before. "Cuz the same thing did happen after 9/11. That there was an increase in the matchmaking sites, and matchmakers, that people and connection were really important."

People at the meet and greets also like the price. Jenny Omernick has also organized events in the past. She says, "A lot of times too with these events the venues work with us. We bring them large volumes of people, and they'll provide the appetizers, drink specials."

Candie and her mom Barbara came together. Candie is coy with the boys.

"I'm not looking. He can find me!"

But Barbara isn't ruling out love. "If I meet somebody, then I meet somebody, if I don't I get to meet other people," she says matter-of-factly.

But it's not all about romance. Mark Akey and Debbie Hooten met on the Web site recently, and are enjoying a new friendship together.

"You can meet people to date, you can meet people to be friends with, go out and do things that normally would never meet, so it's a really nice thing," Mark says.

Overall, Reggie probably puts it best--in this web savvy society, it's just nice to meet some new people face to face.

"It's easier to mingle here and see what happens, rather than typing on the Internet and having messages go back and forth" he exclaims.

Many of the meet and greets are co-hosted by several online social groups, including support groups for divorcees.

Are you hungry for love? Plenty of Fish's next meet and greet is Saturday night July 11 at the Den Again in Racine. You can find more information in the Links section of our Web site.