Good conversation is one of the most important aspects of a first date. Whether you end up talking about family, careers, current affairs, or general hobbies and interests, it’s important to make sure that you both get equal time to speak and share.
This is where first date conversation tips come in! Having a few handy pieces of advice back of mind can serve as the perfect starting point for fostering a new meaningful connection on a first date. Below, we’ve put together some good first date conversation tips to bear in mind for the big day!
Looking for the Best First Date Conversation Tips? Here Are 9 Suggestions to Get You Started
If you haven’t been on a date in a long time, first date conversation tips might make you feel better before you sit down and get started. The first date is important for many reasons. If all goes well, that means there’s potential for this relationship to turn into something even bigger.
1. Avoid Pushing for Information
A first date should be a relaxed, light-hearted chance for both parties to break the ice and get acquainted. That means, when it comes to first date etiquette, it’s often best to avoid potentially deep or personal topics, to begin with at least.
So, let your date bring up topics like family first, and make sure your follow-up questions aren’t too personal. Instead of asking them if they’re close to their sister, talk about general sibling relationships and how they’ve impacted you.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Let the Conversation Flow
You don’t need to practice with a bunch of cue cards. If you and your date have a genuine connection, the conversation will flow naturally. Sure, sometimes it’s good to have a couple of first date icebreakers prepared just in case. But, don’t try to control the conversation too much. This is a date, not a performance.
3. Make Eye Contact
Don’t stare directly, but occasionally look into your date’s eyes while talking to them. This is one of the best first date conversation tips we can offer. It shows them that regardless of what they’re talking about, you’re staying engaged. Smiling also helps, but don’t force it if it doesn’t come naturally. These little cues will tell your date a lot about you.
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Allow your date to expand on a question to add to the conversation. For example, instead of asking, “Where do you work?” try rephrasing it and ask them how they got into that line of work. Chances are, there’s a better story there. This will allow your date to expand the conversation and give you a bit more insight into their personality.
5. Throw in Some Pop Culture
Pop culture topics are always a good choice since you’ll figure out what music and television shows your date prefers.
Even if they don’t match yours, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good conversation about them. It’s also good to get this information early on, as it might help you plan out future dates if things go well. Live concerts are always a fun second date idea!
6. Use the Food as a Conversation Starter
Who doesn’t like talking about food? If you’re out for a meal for your first date, use the food to spark conversation. Ask about what they ordered, their favorite foods, or whether they’ve ever considered being a vegetarian.
Or, make the conversation more personal by saying something like, “I love this restaurant, but I’ve been meaning to check out others in the area. Do you have a favorite?”
7. Talk About Your Pets
Are you a dog person? Do you have cats at home? Let your date know, and talk about them. Not all of us are pet people so it’s good to know where your date stands and whether or not you’re dating a pet lover.
These conversations tend to be more fun than informative. But feel free to show them pictures of your furry friends if they seem genuinely interested. They’ll likely find it endearing that you’re so attached to them.
8. Keep Things Positive
First date chat should be an enjoyable experience for both parties. So, one of the most important pieces of first date conversation advice we can give is to maintain a positive attitude. Your date is likely to want to have a conversation with you — and keep it going — if you’re being upbeat and optimistic.
If you’re coming across as someone negative who complains a lot, you won’t be setting the groundwork for sparking meaningful, enjoyable conversation.
9. Be Yourself
It sounds like a cliché, but when it comes to first date conversation tips, this is the best advice of all. When talking to girls, talk about things that you’re passionate about. Ask them questions you really want to know but with tact. You might feel like you need to put on an act if you haven’t been dating for some time, but the easiest way to converse with your date is to be genuine.
Kickstart Meaningful Connections With These First Date Conversation Tips
Having a few first date conversation tips in mind can make all the difference when it comes to fostering a meaningful, lasting connection. Remember, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious about your first date conversations in the beginning. But, the more dates you have, the more confident you’ll get. You’ve got this!
Ready to start connecting with like-minded local singles and setting up some memorable first dates? Sign up on EliteSingles today to kickstart your dating journey!
