Monday, June 2, 2014

10 No-Fail Conversation Starters for a First Date

10 No-Fail Conversation Starters for a First Date

Because there's nothing worse than sitting across from a handsome stranger and hearing radio silence.

First dates can be exciting, nerve-wracking and filled with possibility. If you arrive armed with some conversational ammo to kill any awkward silences, you'll increase the likelihood that you'll have a good time and maybe even find yourself wanting date number two. As a way to break the ice (beyond commenting on the weather) these conversation kick-starters are sure to open up a dialogue and help you get to know each other. Or, at the very least, keep you entertained.

What are you most proud of? We know it sounds job interview-y, but come on, everyone likes to brag about their accomplishments a little bit. Plus, it's a great, intimidation-free way to get a sense of a person's values and what is important to them, says relationship expert Wendy Walsh, Ph.D., author of The 30-Day Love Detox. Not to mention, "healthy self-pride is sexy," says Walsh.  

What book or movie do you know backwards and forwards? As John Cusack's character quips in High Fidelity, "What really matters is what you like, not what you are like." Plus, one of the easiest ways to bond is through shared interests—like that you can both quote every line from Anchorman or that you both read every book in the Harry Potter series (twice). 

MORE: The Rudest Thing You Can Do On a First Date  

How was your day? It's basic, but a classic never dies. "First dates are a time to look for commonality between two people," says Walsh. "By talking about daily activities, as in 'How was your day?' you can look for the seed of mutual connection." And even though this seems so simple, it can often open up the conversation to what they do for a living and for fun. 

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? It's a surefire way to delve into his interests—especially if his perfect getaway is a tent and yours is a five-star hotel. 

What's the boldest thing you've ever done? First dates can make even the most outgoing person a little shy and awkward, but talking about—and looking back on—a time when you were incredibly ballsy can give you a huge boost of confidence. 

Spill the details of your worst date ever! While ranting on and on about your horrible ex is not a good idea, it's fair game to joke about previous first dates or blind dates that went totally awry. After all, that story about the guy who took you to a taco truck and forgot his wallet is just pure conversational gold. 

MORE: What You Must Do Within the First 12 Minutes of a Date 

Are you a cat or a dog person? Hey, it's important! Plus, a recent study found that "dog people" were more energetic and outgoing, while "cat people" were more introverted and sensitive. Talk about a sneaky way to get a read on a person. 

What's your guilty pleasure TV show? Keeping Up With The Kardashians or The Vanilla Ice Project? This is the stuff that deal breakers are made of. 

What are you looking for in a relationship? Sure, it's a little personal, but it's important to know if you're on the same page, says Walsh. "I'm a big believer in showing your hand. This saves on misunderstandings, hurt feelings, broken hearts, and plenty of wasted money as one date become ten and only then [do they] reveal [they have] no intention of ever getting married or having kids." 

So, what are your thoughts on cheese? A bit quirky yes, but the vegan in you might not want to get hot and heavy with that platter of Brie he eats every Friday night (or vice versa). 

MORE: 5 Things You Should Never Discuss On a First Date 

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