‘Sam has traditional values – he even bags’ carried my
LAURA, 31
VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE for four years.
CURRENT ROLE
REGISTERED veterinary nurse.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A GUY who is content with life. Family, friends and my pets matter to me. I have two dogs, a cat, a mouse and a horse.
DATING PAST?
When I was 23, I had my heart broken. After that, I was single for several years and I’ve not dated properly since 2018. Pre-pandemic, I used to host speed-dating events, which was fun, but nothing ever progressed from those.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
The night before the date I developed the most horrendous toothache and had to get an emergency dental appointment — it turned out I had an abscess. I almost cancelled, but I’m glad I didn’t.
I was determined to smile through the date. Besides, we’d both taken the day off work for it. But the stress meant I didn’t have time to be nervous.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
SAm was already at our table when I arrived. When he saw me, he stood up and gave me a big smile. he was wearing a navy suit; I was in a black floral-print dress. I was impressed by how he looked.
EASY TO TALK TO?
SAm guessed that, because of my job, I didn’t eat meat and he was correct. he asked for a vegetarian menu for me and was considerate, checking if I felt comfortable about him eating chicken.
Sam participates in World War II re-enactment weekends and I enjoyed hearing about this. I also got to see pictures of the dogs and cats he’s had over the years, which got a big tick from me.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
no, excePT after our date Sam accompanied me to London’s St Pancras station to catch my train home. he’d never been there before and was overawed by the building.
DID SPARKS FLY?
SAm said he’d like to see me again. I didn’t know what to say. In the end I said ok, but on a friend level… for now. I’d hate to get his hopes up when I’m not sure.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
I feeL like we need to meet again to know if there’s any chemistry between us. We absolutely get on, though — our outlook is similar.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
he WAS gentlemanly, told me how nice I looked and asked to see me again. So I think Sam liked me.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
YeS. Sam has traditional values and even carried my bags across London for me. We had a drink while waiting for my train and he wouldn’t hear of me paying or going halves.