Also important, before starting indepth discussion: #1 One needs to be sure, that one likes to play with the person in a regular fashion #2 That the goals / reasons for playing Bridge are compatible There is live besides playing Bridge, i.e. if you invest time for indepth, make sure as good as you can, it is not wasted from the start.
Eric Kokish, legendary coach and one of the best players produced in Canada. I didn't know him but we had a few chats at the Nationals over the years, as you do at these affairs. Many tributes to him on BridgeWinners, including https://bridgewinners.com/article/view/the-late-eric-kokish/