MEET SAM, 34

Sam is a creative, clever and charming chap from Surrey, but he has jumped from one long-term relationship to another, attracted by good-looking women who may not share his adventurous streak. He has struggled to find the right balance between having a girlfriend who he is instantly attracted to and someone he can genuinely see eye-to-eye with. He now realises that a common outlook is important.

THE CONSULTATION

Thursday, 8pm, House of St Barnabas
Sam is open and incredibly engaging to talk to. He is also a man with eclectic passions – whether it’s electro music, meditation, Jiu Jitsu or his work – and is always keen to learn something new. He isn’t scared of commitment, either, as 12 years working for the same advertising company can confirm.

Former relationships have been long-term, however Sam’s been single for the past 10 months and this has been deliberate – he has been carefully considering the type of person he would like to meet. This new self-analysis has him prioritising character traits, such as spontaneity and open-mindedness, rather than looks.

Sam’s dating pattern is growing from idolatry to commonality – he’s now looking for someone with similar interests.

Although he’s maturing, Sam still loves a party and spur-of-the-moment adventure, so needs someone who is more ‘muck in’ than ‘make up’.

THE MATCH

Samantha, 33, grew up in Hertfordshire, but travelled the world from a young age as her father was a pilot. He grew up in India, so they have connections there and she says this has played a big part in shaping her.

Brimming with passions, from scuba to psychology, Samantha has a strong sense of adventure. She went from drama school to teaching to working in fashion, and has lived in Canada, Central America and Australia. For Sam, who may not yet have met his match in this respect, I hoped he would recognise a similar soul.

THE DATE

8pm, Bon Vivant, Bloomsbury
When I walked through the door, I wasn’t really expecting anything – it was a blind date, after all. But I had such a great evening, and that was down to the woman sitting next to me on our romantic circular seat. All I knew was that my date was called Samantha and she was an actress.

Well, what a breath of fresh air.

I felt instantly at ease with her – the conversation flowed all evening long. Kind, considerate and what a cute laugh. She is down to earth and not materialistic – qualities that are rare in London’s women, in my experience.

There were many parallels between us, such as a connection with India, tough break-ups and an appreciation of the positives that can come out of adversity. I really enjoyed myself.

THE VERDICT

Sam says:
It felt like Samantha had many more stories that I would love to hear over a glass of red and some cheese… hint hint. She has a very relaxed manner and was refreshing in so many ways. I really hope to see her again.
9/10

Samantha says:
Honest, friendly, fun, interesting and interested would be how I’d describe an ideal first date. And Sam ticked all those boxes, which made the evening a huge pleasure. We have already arranged another date to go climbing.
9/10

THE DATING EXPERT

Nana Wereko-Brobby runs dating events club Social Concierge for people who prefer to date offline.

Nana says… I liked Samantha immediately – she’s warm, funny and interesting, but the real click was her easygoing approach to the date. ‘What an adventure’ she said, asking very little in advance. She is motivated by fun and I had no doubt there would be some sort of affinity.

Do you want us to find you a date? If you’d relish the chance to take part in the next Dateover, simply sign up at balance.media

Read more: When Matthew met Kevin