Knowing what to talk about on a first date can be nerve-wracking. Ideally, you both click and the conversation flows easily, but sometimes you have to have more of a plan of attack — and asking the right questions can make all the difference.
Try not to impress your date with [wild] stories and facts about yourself; this will almost always backfire. You should rather learn how to engage, listen, and genuinely respond to your date. This will make them feel valued and excited to see you again.
Everyone enjoys talking about themselves. By asking your date questions about them (and continuing the dialogue with your own thoughts when there’s an opening) you’re showing that you’re interested in them. That in turn makes you more interesting.
It’s really easy to let the other person ask all the questions, and come away from the date realising that you know nothing about them. So remember to ask questions, nod and engage with their answers, and if possible bounce more questions off their response.
[First Date Survival Guide | How To Guarantee A Second Date]Step 1: Introductions
- How was your journey/day?
- What exactly do you do, do you enjoy it?
- What’s your go-to drink?
- Where are you originally from?
- Did you go to Uni? If yes, where? What did you study?
Step 2: The Drinks Have Arrived
- What made you ask me out (or accept my invitation)?
- Do you have any hobbies?
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- Do you like films? What was the best film you’ve recently watched? or what’s your favourite film/music/book?
- Have you traveled anywhere cool lately/do you have any trips coming up?
- Is there anything you don’t like to eat?
- What’s the worst pickup line you’ve ever heard/dished out?
- Do you have any talents?
Step 3: Getting To Know Each Other
- What’s something I wouldn’t guess about you?
- If you could have dinner with any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?
- Tell me about your family?
- What’s your dream job?
- If you could go anywhere in the world, and money was no object, where would you go?
- What’s your greatest achievement?
- Did you always want to do what you do now?
- Do you prefer cats or dogs?
- Early bird or night owl? (this one is great for deciphering if their routines match yours!)
- When’s your birthday? What star sign are you?
- Are you into social media?
- Have you been in a long term relationship before?
- What is your favourite thing about yourself?
- If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Do you have any nicknames?
- Are you a morning person or a night person?
- Do you ever cook?
- Have you ever been to Disney world?
- Do you like your job? What do you want to do next?
- What’s your social life like? Do you have a big group of friends?
- Do you consider yourself career-driven?
- What are you most passionate about?
- If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d buy?
- Do you have any siblings?
- What do you usually do on the weekend?
- What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
- What are you most afraid of?
- If you could be any person for a day, who would it be?
- What’s your biggest pet peeve?
- Do you prefer coffee or tea?
Step 4: Next Steps (and date number 2?)
- Can I split the bill with you?
- How is work looking for you this week?
- Did you like this place?
- Do you have any fun plans for the rest of the weekend?
- Do you have a busy week coming up?
- How are you getting home?
- Would you like to see me again?
Questions not only help you seem interested, but also help you learn whether you both have similar values and interests. Happy dating!
Can you think of any extra questions I’ve missed? Or have you used these and they’ve worked for you? Let me know in the comments!
