5 Things to Talk About on A First Date

I’m going to start this with saying as much as I wish I could be that person that has never re-watched every rom com movie first date scene, (annotating Cameron Diaz or Reese Witherspoon’s every quirky move that lands them the hunk at the end chasing them through the airport),  Or had a subtle flick through the magazine covered with dating tips; truth is I have and to be honest on many occasions. 

What can I say I’m a single millennial in the era of dating apps and first dates tending to be categorized as last dates too? 

 I also wish I could say I have never been on a first date and mumbled my way into a conversation about Trump’s fake tan and if I were to ever kill someone how would I do it. Seriously.

So to stop this unfortunate series of events from tantalising you I give you a well-researched 5 things to talk about on a first date, that can be used as soon as your perfectly prepped bottom hits the seat or when that ever awkward silence comes looming in post drink order; a double spicy margarita. 

We all know the inevitable “what’s your sign?” But do we really think it’s the provoking conversation starter it entails to be? From personal experience whether their a Virgo or a Sagittarius; the conversation tends to end pretty swiftly after sighting each respected sign attribute in a bulleted list.

So, I give you something more functional to question, key word here being question. It’s important you ask the date about their life and them, otherwise rambling on about yourself will come across as vain. I’m talking coming across like you were Carly Simone’s muse. 

1)   Start simple with the basic ‘get to know’, if a dating app is the cause of the date and you’ve already exchanged the basics then go to questioning about hobbies, family and travel. This shows interest in them; while at the same time satisfying your ever-present stalking desire. It saves the Instagram or google search tunnel of doom, that results in knowing not only their exact zipcode but the name of their first pet growing up. 

2)   Although this is an opposite; it is an important tip, do not talk about politics. I understand it’s probably a vital factor to know one’s political views for a budding relationship to succeed, however this is second to third date territory. There’s no denying politics has the extreme likelihood of resulting in raised voices at the table that nor you two or the surrounded guests would appreciate.

3)   Ask them about their friends; the saying ‘you’re not just dating me; you’re dating my friends’ is a very real thing. It’s important to know that you wouldn’t be a dividing friction at home, but at the party doing shots with their best friend. Also, who someone surrounds themselves with is a big tell all on what their like as a person. 

4) “What’s something I wouldn’t guess about you?” – This sparks flirtation; it’s also fun for your date to get creative and have some fun with you. This one is a great awkward silence breaker, and also great midway through the date once you’ve both done the groundwork and need that fun spark to commence. 

5)   Ask them what’s on their Bucket list. This creates the idea of a future between the two of you, not only does it show you if you have things in common but it makes them think about the ones you can tick off together, ( here’s to hoping in my case that throwing oneself out of a plane is not on the list, each to their own though!). This is a go to for nearing the end of the date once you know whether this was a waste of tequila induced excitement or, something you’re immediately going to tell your friend about as you call them the moment you step out the place. 

So, I leave you with these handy 5 talking points, ready and functional for any first date scenario. Best of luck!