Five First Date Conversation Starters
Don’t take it for granted that you’ll have an amazing conversation on your first date. The DV Handbook encourages you to pre-plan your conversation. It seems like a bit much, but it’s actually the last thing you want to leave to chance.
The ultimate goal is to get your date to tell a story. Avoid closed questions that only require a “yes” or “no.” So here are seven, story inducing conversation starters for your first date:
1. Tell your date what attracted you to them.
Who doesn’t love to hear that?! And hopefully your story will inspire them to tell a story about what attracted them to you.
2. Inquire about your date’s favorite spots in the city.
Hopefully, he or she will share how or why. If they don’t, that’s your cue to share your favorite spots.
3. Give a compliment. Compliments are an easy way to break the first date ice.
If your date doesn’t offer any background information about the item you commented on, be prepared to ask follow up questions.
4. Find out what he or she is watching/listening.
Ask what’s on their iPod, DVR or Netflix queue. Not only will it give you an idea of what he or she likes, but it can spur ideas for a second date.
5. Ask about his or her day or week. It’s sound simple, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.
It’s a great way for someone to open up about himself or herself in a way that is not intrusive.
As a bonus:
Steer clear of the following topics. At a later time, you can bring them into the date dialogue but the following are too risky for first dates:
1. Politics.
These days, it’s emotional. So save it for the second date.
2. Finance.
Again, it’s today’s climate. Better to build rapport before you get into someone’s pocket book.
3. Sex.
If your date brings it up, there may be some safety in talking about getting busy. But if you raise the subject, there is no way of telling how it will be received.
4. Offensive Jokes.
Play it safe and wait until you know what makes them laugh.
Give this list a quick rundown before you go on your date and you will be equipped to start and keep any conversation going.
tags: first date, second date, conversation starters, date
