Think about keeping your questions short so your date has a chance to tell you about them, don’t ramble as it will make you sound nervous.
For example you could say ‘So where do you work, I mean what’s the name of the company or don’t you work, that’s ok if you don’t I…’ a little exaggerated but you get the drift. Try to keep your questions short and open for them to respond. For example, ‘Could you tell me about what you do for a living?’ Try to relax and answer their questions honestly. If you ‘elaborate’ you’ll only get yourself in a pickle at a later date and they will think you are lying to them.
Remember if the conversation doesn’t flow at first it might just be nerves. Give your date a chance to ‘warm up’ so prepare a few questions before you date so there are no awkward silences.
DATING CONVERSATION STARTERS
Could you tell me about what you do for a living?
Do you have any other career plans?
Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
Where did you go to school / university?
Could you tell me about your family?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Have you lived in [insert city] for long?
Do you have any travel plans?
Have you been travelling?
Where would you like to travel?
What do you do for fun?
Do you have any hobbies?
What do you do to relax?
What’s your favourite food?
What kind of music are you into?
What’s your favourite movie star?
What’s your favourite movie?
Do you have / Have you ever had any pets?
What’s your favourite TV show?
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
What would you say are your best qualities?
What would you say is your worst habit?
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
What’s your idea of a good holiday?
What do you look for in a partner?
What’s been the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?
WHAT TO AVOID ON FIRST DATES
Don’t talk about past partners until your close enough to be starting a relationship. It can bring up bad memories and bring the mood of the date down. If your date brings up the topic, answer them politely avoid too much detail or degrading your ex and move on to another conversation topic.
Don’t talk about marriage and kids on the first date; this is a later date topic. It can make your date feel as if you’re too keen or desperate. It is definitely important to find out before you get serious but leave it to a later date.
Don’t try to be too physical too quickly. It can be a big turn off if your date feels that all you want to do is get them into bed. Try to ‘woo’ your date and be romantic. Ask if you can hold their hand while you walk or give a polite kiss on the cheek good night. Once you get to know them you will start to see their body language become more inviting so you can take it to the next step. Be patient, slow and steady wins the race.