First dates are awkward because both people are trying to be interesting and relaxed at the same time. The fix is not better small talk; it is better questions. Ones that invite stories, show your personality and create a bit of spark without feeling like an interview.
Rules for good first date questions
- Ask open questions, not yes or no questions.
- Follow up. “Why?” and “What happened next?” are your best friends.
- Share your own answer. It is a swap, not a survey.
- Keep heavy topics (exes, politics, trauma) for later dates.
Easy openers
- What was the highlight of your week?
- What is something you are looking forward to right now?
- What do you do for fun when nobody is watching?
- What is your favorite spot in this city?
- What is a hobby you picked up recently?
- What is the best thing you ate this month?
- Are you more of a morning or night person?
- What is your go-to comfort show?
- What is the last thing that made you laugh really hard?
- What would your ideal weekend look like?
Get to know them questions
- What is something people are usually surprised to learn about you?
- What were you like as a kid?
- What is the best trip you have ever taken?
- What is a skill you would love to learn?
- What is your favorite thing about your job, and your least favorite?
- Who is the most interesting person you know?
- What is a small thing that makes your day better?
- What is a cause or topic you care a lot about?
- What is your family like?
- What is a goal you are working on right now?
Second date sorted
If the first date goes well, invite them over for a game night. Couple Games: Date Night has most likely to, truth or dare and a love quiz for two.
Fun and slightly flirty
- What is your most controversial food opinion?
- What is the worst pickup line you have ever heard?
- What is your karaoke song?
- What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?
- Two truths and a lie, go.
- What is your idea of a perfect date?
- What is your biggest green flag in someone?
- What made you swipe right, or say yes to tonight?
- What is something you are secretly competitive about?
- Would you rather go on an adventure date or a cozy date next?
Questions to avoid on a first date
- “Why are you still single?” It sounds like an accusation.
- “How much do you make?” Save it for much later.
- Detailed questions about their ex.
- “Do you want kids?” in the first ten minutes.
- Anything that sounds like a checklist.
The best closing question: “What was your favorite part of tonight?” It ends on a positive note and tells you a lot about whether there will be a second date.
Want these as a game?
Couple Games: Date Night puts truth or dare, most likely to, never have I ever, story mode and a love quiz on one phone. Free to download.