Famous ex escort Samantha X on dating as ‘shy and reserved’ Amanda Goff

Australia’s most high-profile escort, Samantha X, retired in the hopes of leading a ‘normal’ life. But she says trying to find a partner online is more of a minefield than the adult industry.

Australia’s most high-profile escort is dipping her stilettos into the dating game.

Former journalist Amanda Goff — AKA Samantha X — announced her retirement from the escorting business in July, largely due to her diagnosis with bipolar II disorder.

However, the 48-year-old has revealed to Confidential that she had another motive: “So

I could have a relatively normal life, and a normal ‘relationship’.”

Goff relishes being a single woman in her 40s, but also said she would like to find a partner.

The only problem? “The dating scene has changed dramatically. Online dating is the norm, and the world of online dating is so much more sexual than escorting ever was.

“I find it really hard.”

When former journalist Amanda Goff came forward as escort Samantha X in 2014, she made national headlines and became the country’s most high profile sex worker. The business is behind her, but Goff says the world of online dating is harder. Picture: Supplied

In the adult industry; clear communication is a baseline, consent and boundaries are firm, and both parties know what to expect from an encounter, Goff said.

Whereas when a Tinder match invited Goff over for a drink, she assumed the invitation was literal.

Amanda Goff on the cover of Stellar Magazine in July. In the exclusive feature, Goff revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and, with her mental health improving, retired from her high-profile calling. Picture: Stellar Magazine

“I’m supposed to be this expert in men, but my friends always joke that Amanda is very naive,” she said. “Escorting is not about sex. It’s about connection and intimacy. Whereas hook-up culture is about sex.”

Samantha X was a “super confident” and powerful character — a kind of “armour” that Goff could put on.

But Amanda is “quite shy”, “reserved” and “conservative”; and totally not down for a one-night-stand.

“When I’m Amanda, that disappears, and sometimes I don’t know how to behave,” Goff said.

“I find with men now, you exchange numbers, and straight away they’re sending you half-naked photos. I’m thinking ‘Hold on, I’m just trying to get to know you.’ And then I wonder, is this what people do these days?”

Amanda Goff. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Goff’s Tinder and Bumble profiles have been flagged as fake numerous times, she said, because fans assume someone is impersonating her.

However, she fondly recalled one Melbourne man who took her out for dinner and drinks. No subtext.

“People have this assumption that I’m this wild, crazy, rampant woman. But hook-up culture is something that I can’t get my head around, and not something I feel comfortable doing.”

“I enjoy being single. I don’t need to have a man in my life to be happy, and I think women of my age are very comfortable being on their own. But it would be nice to share some experiences with somebody. But the right person.”