Going to a first date is one of the most important stages in the relationship even though the date usually lasts only a few hours. There are so many things that a person should keep in mind. Where should you go? What clothes should you wear? What topics should you talk about not to sound too boring? These are just several questions that you should think about before going to a date. The way you talk on a date will be probably a key factor for setting up a successful long-term relationship. Therefore we decided to give you some tips that might help to make your first date successful.
1. A compliment
For sure your partner must have spent a lot of time preparing for the date because she has a lot of expectations just as you do. So, when you see her, pay a very quick polite compliment. The compliment should sound natural and should not turn into a long conversation. Do not try to be smart and impress your partner with a compliment. “You look gorgeous!” or something like “It is a wonderful dress, the color is great!” should be enough to make your partner feel satisfied with her appearance.
2. Popular culture, music, and films
Talking about popular culture is not difficult. Moreover, you will have a really good chance to keep the conversation going. This topic is much more interesting than taboo topics of politics or religion and does not require from conversation partners to share personal information. This is especially a good topic for the first date because it does not let you and your partner show personal vulnerability. In the meantime, you get to know your partner much better and by the end of the date, you will have the first impression whether you would like to continue this relationship.
3. Hobbies
If you see that your partner and you are ready to talk about some personal issues, start talking about hobbies and interests. If your partner has an unusual hobby, for example, she jumps with a parachute or reads books in the Chinese language, this can be a topic for a very long discussion and you will definitely go up in her estimation. Just don’t forget to be friendly and curious when you ask her about what she usually does in her leisure time.
4. Relatives
Another good topic for a laid-back conversation is a family. It is very easy to ask a partner if she has any siblings. If she says “yes”, then you can talk about her background, childhood, parents, brothers, and sisters. If you see that she has “a skeleton in the closet”, politely change the topic of discussion. Thus, you will have a good time together and if everything turns out well, later your partner will voluntarily share her secrets with you. In general, talking about family issues helps to determine how well you and your partner will be compatible in the future.
5. Work
Well, for some people work is a taboo topic in their free time, but for the vast majority of people work is an important part of their social life. So, it is ok to talk about your partner’s work during the first date. Of course, it will sound extremely strange and impolite if you ask your partner about her work at the very start of the date. So there should be a timely transition from another topic. For example, if you speak about travelling you could ask your partner if she often has business trips. In turn, if your job/profession is rare and interesting indeed, you should share your passion for work. Remember that during the first date you also “advertise” yourself. Talking about work is a good way to make a positive impression.
6. The latest news
When we talk about the latest news, we don’t mean politics. There may be a festival or an exhibition in the city. You may also find a lot of funny and interesting news in the social media. Take a look at what topics are in trend and show your partner that you are a sociable and dynamic person. Of course, when you speak about the latest news you will have a perfect opportunity to see what kind of person your partner is. How she reacts to the oddities, what subjects she is interested in, how informed she is – all of these questions may be answered, if you discuss a ridiculous event that happened in your neighborhood the other day.
7. Travelling
Travelling is one of the most popular topics because people usually have positive memories about their past trips. Find out what your partner’s favorite destination is. Perhaps, she has a dream to travel somewhere one day and you have already been in that place. In this case, you should play to her opinion and tell how excellent your trip was or that you would like to return there one day. When you talk about travelling, you will better understand your partner’s personality and what things she cares about. It will be perfect if your interests are similar.
8. Life and career goals
This is a very sensitive topic to talk about. You should do everything possible not to turn your date into a job interview. Anyway, it is acceptable to speak about personal and professional goals, because you will show your intentions and save your time if you see that your partner has absolutely different goals in her life. How should you speak about future? You should not be straight-forward. If you speak about work, you may ask if your partner has any prospects at her current work or if she would like to change her work. In turn, if you feel that you would like to share your plans, go ahead before it is too late!
9. Dating
If you and your partner are open-minded, your or her longest relationship could be an interesting and funny topic for discussion. You should not sound serious. Make some jokes, so that your partner can feel relaxed. You will quickly build rapport if both of you address the issue of dating in a similar way. Moreover, you will understand what you should expect from your partner - is she looking for a long-term relationship or an adventurous affair with an interesting man?
10. What's about next week?
If you liked the date and your partner, you could ask what plans she has for the next week. Usually, this question is discussed closer to the end of the date. If you ask her what she is doing next week, you will show that you like her. In turn, if she flirts or tells that she is free, it means that she would like to go on a second date. The topics that we described above are quite universal and very useful during the first date. You may also address some other topics that you are interested in. Good luck on your date!