First dates can be fun and exciting, but let's be honest—they're also a bit uncomfortable and intimidating. The goal is to hit it off with this person and potentially find someone special, but what if you run out of things to talk about during the first few minutes of the date? Or what if, in your attempt to keep the conversation alive, it starts to feel like a job interview? Good news! You don't have to deal with dreaded awkward silences or uncomfortable pauses any longer, because we've come up with seven great first-date conversation ideas. They'll not only improve date number one and help you connect with each other, but will also up your chances of snagging date number two.Read on for the best conversation starters for dating to try on your next romantic evening.
Talk About Where You’re From
When you and your date share your experiences from your childhood, it can help increase the bonding between the two of you, as well as help you learn more about each other. Whether you come from very similar or very different backgrounds, talking about where you’re from, your family life, and details from your childhood can help reveal new insights about one another. For example, you may find that while you're the youngest of four and they're an only child, you still watched the same shows, played the same video games, and went to similar summer camps.
Discuss Your Favorite Movies, TV Shows, and Books
In today’s world of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Audible, there's definitely not a lack of streaming services or access to movies, shows, or literature. With this in mind, talking about the different TV series you're watching, dishing on must-see movies, and telling them more about your all-time favorite books can help keep the conversation flowing while you and your date reveal more about your respective personalities. For example, if you love Stranger Things, can’t get enough of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or have read everything by J.K. Rowling, these can be great starting points for first-date conversations. As you discuss what's binge-worthy and what's hot right now, it can help you to see if there are any sparks between you and your date.
Open up About Your Hobbies
When you’re on a first date, it’s important to talk about your favorite pastimes and passions and share what makes you who you are. If you’re a guitarist, a yogi, or an avid football fan, opening up about your interests can help to create new opportunities for you and your date to get to know each other on a more meaningful level. By talking about what you like to do for fun, you’re teaching your date more about you and opening the door to find out more about them in return. You'll learn about their preferences while also gauging how much free time they actually have and how they spend it.
Have a Conversation About Travel
Speaking of hobbies, do you consider yourself a jet-setter? Are you hoping to visit Greece one day? Did you just take a trip to Hawaii? Talking about travel is a top first-date conversation because it enables you to share your travel stories (both the good and the bad), open up about places you'd like to go one day, and discover any potential incompatibilities. You and your date can learn more about each other's interests and passions as you open up about your ideal types of vacations and favorite travel spots.
Discuss Your Favorite Music
Since you can learn a lot about a person by talking about their favorite music, it's definitely a great conversation topic for a first date. While you may learn that you and your date enjoy the same types of music and may have even seen the same bands or festivals live, you can also expand your own music repertoire as you learn about the genres and bands that your date likes. A first date can be a great way to get new band recommendations, and sharing about music and concerts can help the two of you bond. You can open up about the best (and worst) shows you've ever been to or talk about the different artists who you'd love to see live.
Chat About Your Ambitions
Where do you see yourself in five years? How about in ten years? When it comes to these bigger life questions, being able to candidly talk about your goals, hopes, and desires on a first date can be a great way to get to know someone better. Your goals don’t have to be just career-oriented—the key is to share what you’d like to accomplish, whether it’s learning how to play guitar or mastering French cooking, as this can help your date learn more about your interests and priorities.
Talk About Food
Since first dates don't always involve food, talking about food can be a great way to set the stage (or set the table) for a second date. As you open up about your favorite restaurants, cuisines, and bakeries, you and your date can discuss the best places in town for a bite, as well as the best meal you've ever had.
Stacey Laura Lloyd