First dates are a lot of fun. The feeling of budding romance, the joy of getting to know someone new, and the mystery of the future are all exciting feelings. But first dates are also totally nerve-wracking. How do you even know what to say? Many people get lost in the awkwardness of talking to someone who is a stranger, more or less. Luckily, dating isn’t rocket science. You just need to have a few questions in mind that can stimulate conversation and cut through the tension.
What’s Your Favorite Place on Earth?
It might sound a bit corny, but this is a question that can really get a date talking. Asking someone about their favorite place - or places - will get them thinking about things that really matter to them, and they will probably start to open up to you quickly. The beauty of this question is that the response will really tell you a lot about the person you’re speaking to. If they say that their favorite place is on top of a mountain, you’ll know that they’re really adventurous. If they say it’s their couch, you’ll know that they’re a bit of a homebody.
What’s Your Favorite Movie?
While favorite questions can get a little bland if you go for too many of them, this is another one that can be really fun to discuss. People often have strong opinions about movies, so most dates will be eager to talk about their favorites. You also might discover that they really aren’t into films that much, which may or may not be a big deal to you. If you’re a fan of the cinema, this can be a really fun question to geek out over, and it feels really easy to bond over favorite movies. Plus you can make a plan to watch the movie later…
What Cartoons Did You Watch Growing up?
Learning about someone’s past is always a good thing to do when you’re seeing someone new, but it can feel a bit tough to just ask directly about their childhood. Instead, it’s better to ask a lighthearted question that will get them talking about that time period in their life. Cartoons are always fun to talk about, and if the conversation goes well, it will naturally segue into more serious thoughts about their childhood, family, and past. Sometimes the best way to get to serious subjects is to approach them in a silly fashion. Never discount the power of talking about cartoons.
Why Are You Living in This City?
Some people live where they do because they have family there. Some people choose where they live based on their career goals. And some people decide to settle down in certain places for seemingly no reason. Where you live says a ton about you, but the actual reason for why you live where you live says even more. This question can help reveal whether your data is career-oriented, focused on their family, or just looking for fun and adventure. It might also give them the chance to tell some interesting stories about where they lived before - or where you both live now.
If You Could Do Anything for a Living, What Would It Be?
Talking about what someone does for a living is a classic first date conversation, but it can get boring quickly. Most people aren’t in love with their jobs, so they might not really have fun talking about it. What is much more interesting, though, is asking them about what their dream job would be. There are few things more intimate than sharing your aspirations with someone new, and getting to that level can really help break the ice and help you understand your date. They also might say something that sounds amazing to you - or utterly miserable. You’ll learn a lot.
