First dates can be awkward, especially when you’re trying to break the ice with a total stranger. And the old standby question, “So what do you do?” doesn’t always lead to the meaningful conversations you want to have so you can decide if there will be a second date. Business Insider asked relationship experts about their favorite questions to ask on a first date and this is what they suggest when you need a little extra guidance.
- “What do you think of the restaurant/bar/etc. we’re at?”- Relationship expert Claudia Duran recommends “being present in the moment” and talking about what you’re doing on the date to establish a shared experience.
- If you met on a dating app, ask about what attracted you to their profile- Bring up what you saw that you liked so you can establish a common connection with your date, dating expert Andrea Syrtash advises.
- “What are your hobbies?”- This “light” question gives you a better sense of your date’s values and interests, according to relationship and intimacy expert Marla Mattenson.
- “Do you drink?”- It only applies if they don’t already have a beer in hand, but Duran says it can help you get to know their lifestyle, so you know if it’s a good match to yours.
- “What would be the one value you would say is really important for you to live by?”- Certified relationship coach Sami Wunder suggests this direct question to let you know if you have shared values.
- Ask good follow-up questions- First date conversations can be awkward, but dating coach Shira Teichman says asking good follow-up questions forces you to pay attention to what the other person is saying.
- “Where did you grow up?”- It may sound boring, but love coach Susan Winter says light questions like this can lead to more meaningful conversations, and that’s what it’s all about.
Source:Business Insider