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Your profile picture is the first thing people see when they connect with you online. Making a solid first impression could significantly increase your chance of finding matches. In this guide from Meet Hong Kong Singles, we’ll provide tips for how to take a good online dating profile pic.

Components of a Good Dating Profile Photo

What makes for a “good” profile picture? Is it the angle, the lighting, the background, or something else entirely?

A good profile pic involves a combination of factors. You want it to feel engaging and inviting. It’s not just about looking your best. The photo also needs to relay the fact that you are approachable. A clear smiling photo in good lighting is a great start.

Tips for Taking Your Online Dating Profile Pic

Here are some tips for taking a profile photo:

• Use natural lighting. Almost everyone looks best in natural lighting. This could be from a window or from you standing directly outside. Cloudy days disperse light evenly to eliminate shadows and make your skin glow. If possible, take your photo during the Golden Hours when the sun is rising or setting for the day.
• Choose a photo where you’re looking at the camera and smiling. You could also use a candid photo where you’re looking slightly to the side, but make sure people can see your face. You want them to feel a connection when they see your photo, just like they would in real life.
• Avoid full-body photos for a profile picture. You can still include some full-body shots on your profile, but the featured photo should mostly show your face and upper body. That is what will resonate best with people scrolling by.
• Wear an eye-catching color. This profile photo is an advertisement, and bland colors don’t grab people’s attention. Wear a shirt that’s going to make your profile pic stand out in the scroll.
• Let your eyes shine. Do not wear sunglasses in your online dating photo. If you wear glasses, make sure there isn’t a glare on them. You may need to tilt your head down or change the angle of the lighting to eliminate glare.
• Be yourself! This is your dating profile. Do whatever makes you feel confident. That is what people will connect with more than anything else.

You could take these pictures yourself or have a friend take them for you. Don’t be surprised if it takes a few tries to find the right angle and positioning. Play around with different looks until you find the one that best represents who you are.

How Often Should I Change My Profile Photo?

It wouldn’t hurt to change your profile photo once per quarter. This gives you a chance to post pictures in different weather and prevents your profile from going stale. If you don’t feel like you’re getting enough interactions online, a new profile pic may work in your favor. At a minimum, you should probably change your picture at least once a year.

Create Your Online Dating Profile Today

If you’re ready to test your skills and meet singles from around the world, sign up for Meet Hong Kong Singles. We have a large platform of single professionals who are looking for love, just like you. Start your profile today and start speaking with others right away!

Any dating experience can feel intimidating, whether you’re meeting someone in person or texting a stranger from another country. The right approach can help you feel more comfortable in the moment. We’ve seen international dating work time and time again, and we’re confident it can work for you. Check out these tips to stay safe dating someone from another country.

International Dating Is Safe with the Right Precautions

There isn’t a simple answer to the question, “Is international dating safe?” It certainly can be, but there are people in the world with negative experiences. You’re bound to match with someone you’re not the biggest fan of, but you can take certain precautions to protect yourself along the way. We recommend taking these precautions even if you’re dating someone local.

Safety Tips for International Dating

The safety tips below will help you avoid negative experiences and feel confident dating internationally.

Never Give Your Credit Card Info to Someone You’ve Never Met

Scammers find creative ways to collect people’s personal information. They will go as far as to form a “relationship” with someone online to gain their trust and steal their money/identity. Be leery of anyone who asks for money or credit card information, no matter how long you’ve been talking to them. They may say they’re buying a plane ticket to see you or struggling to pay their bills. Proceed with extreme caution.

Schedule Video Calls to Reduce the Risk of Catfishing

If someone refuses to speak to you on video, that may be a red flag. It is much easier for scammers to protect their identity when communicating through text or phone calls. There are ways to edit video calls as well, but those calls are harder to manipulate. A video chat will create the feeling of talking to the other person in person, which can help you decide how you truly feel about them.

Plan a Meeting Before You Plan a Move

You meet someone online and fall in love. That may tempt you to immediately move to another country. Before you plan that big move, plan a trip to test out the relationship. Dating someone in person is much different than dating over the phone or online. Make sure you’re completely ready for that adventure before you rearrange your life.

Meet in a Public Place and Bring Your Own Transportation

When the day comes to meet the other person, choose a neutral setting for your first encounter. Secure your own transportation, so you can leave at any time if the date does not go well. Wear a brightly-colored shirt to make yourself visible in a crowd, just in case the person tries to lead you astray. Avoid going home with the person on the first meeting, and save that experience for a future date.

Let a Close Friend Know Where You Are at All Times

Stay in contact with a close friend when you’re in an unfamiliar location. You may want to set location alerts on your phone or text each other at specific times. Let that person know where you are at all times, so they can alert the authorities if something goes wrong. It’s OK to be overly cautious.

Trust Your Gut When Something Feels Wrong

At the end of the day, there is no replacement for gut instincts. If something feels “off” about the person, trust your intuition. Maintain a safe distance to protect yourself and your heart.

Use a Trusted International Dating Site

The site you use will play a big role in how safe your international dating experience is. Meet Hong Kong Singles uses advanced techniques to rule out potential scammers as much as possible. Follow the tips above to protect yourself along the way, and be careful where you create your profile. We wish you all the best in your upcoming dating adventure!

Are you nervous about dating someone from Hong Kong because you’re not sure about the language barrier? You might be pleased to learn that many Hong Kongers speak English or have experience interacting with English-speaking people. The tips below will help you communicate with a potential love interest, regardless of your language differences.

More Thank Half of Hong Kong Women Speak English Fluently

Hong Kong is ranked fourth in English proficiency among Asian countries and regions. HK is classified as a “high proficiency” area, according to criteria from Education First. Since Hong Kong is an area known for business dealings, many Hong Kongers learn English at a young age to use for their future careers. Many of the HK women you interact with will likely speak English partially or fluently.

Do Not Assume Someone Speaks English

Despite the prevalence of English proficiency in Hong Kong, not all Hong Kong women speak English. Do not assume that the person you are speaking to knows English, even if their online dating profile is in English. Consider politely asking someone if they speak English so that you can be considerate of their needs. If they do not speak English, you may want to explore the tips below to bridge the language barrier.

How to Date Internationally When You Don’t Speak the Same Language

You don’t have to speak the same language to make a connection with someone. Modern technology opens the doors to endless possibilities. Here are some communication tips for international dating:

• Take advantage of online translation programs. You might be familiar with the free platform Google Translate, but there are tons of other programs out there. Simply input what you want to say and let the translator convert it into your language of choice. This is easy to do when you’re dating online because most of your conversations will happen through text. Copy, paste, and communicate! (See: 5 Best Translation Sites)
• Learn language basics. It may take years to fully understand another language, but you can spend a little time now learning the basics. Familiarize yourself with common phrases like, “How are you?” and “My name is {name} from {location}.” This shows that you are making an effort instead of assuming the other person will speak your language.
• Use simple phrasings that translate easily. If the other person is inputting your information into a translator, you want to make sure what you say comes out correct on the other side. Avoid complicated sentences that may get misconstrued.
• Be patient when you speak to each other. Conversations take a little longer when you’re speaking different languages, but be patient. It may be worth the extra steps.

Meet Hong Kong Singles is an international dating site that connects singles from all around the world. You may have your heart set on a love interest in Hong Kong, only to find that your true love is in Thailand, Australia, or maybe right down the street! You can match with single adults from every walk of life and forge meaningful relationships along the way. Sign up today to start the next phase of your journey.

Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe it’s time to look internationally! International dating opens a world of possibilities – literally. You can meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life to find the perfect partner. Here are some tips from our international dating experts to help you along this journey.

Pros and Cons of International Dating

It’s important to determine if international dating is right for you. There are many benefits to dating people from other countries, but there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Factor in these pros and cons as you plan your future:

• Pro: You can meet a wide range of people from all walks of life.
• Con: You may have language barriers and conflicting schedules to overcome.
• Pro: You can learn about different cultures and explore new experiences.
• Con: You may have issues meeting in person for an extended period of time.
• Pro: You might have the opportunity to move to another location in the future.
• Con: Your partner may not be willing to relocate if needed.
• Pro: You’ll likely have a wider pool of potential partners than you would have dating locally.
• Con: You will need to think outside the box to plan dates and form a connection.

If the ups outweigh the downs, consider testing out some international dating opportunities. You can always decide later if it’s not right for you, but there is no harm in giving it a shot.

Consider where you want your life to go in the future. Can you envision living in another country or having a partner from a different part of the world? If so, this is likely the right path for you.

Use Online Dating Sites to Find a Partner Internationally

The Internet is the go-to choice for international dating. Researchers project that there will be 440 million online dating users by 2027. Online dating sites like Meet Hong Kong Singles create a space for singles to connect with each other, regardless of their location. If you’re ready to find a partner internationally, online dating is the way to go.

You may want to look for dating sites that align with where you see yourself. For instance, if you live in the U.S. but want to travel to Hong Kong in the future, use a site that targets international dating for Hong Kong singles. If you love a specific country or culture, you may use that as a starting point for your online dating journey. There are tons of options out there for you to explore.

Create an In-Person Feeling When You’re Dating Long Distance

One of the hardest elements of international dating is not being able to see your partner in person. This is where technology can really work to your advantage. Video chats, streaming platforms, and multi-player games all create digital versions of in-person activities. You can watch the same show at the same time from thousands of miles apart. You can eat meals together, even if one of you is eating breakfast while the other is eating dinner. Try to connect as much as possible during your time apart.

Plan for the Future – Where Will You Live?

In an ideal world, international dating leads to a long-lasting relationship. This may eventually mean that one or both of you have to move. Sprinkle that concept into your discussions to see if there is room for compromise. Will one of you relocate, or will you both move to a new location? Does one of you have circumstances that won’t allow you to move? Are you both looking forward to traveling and living somewhere new?

Have those important talks when you start to get serious so that you can find a plan that works well for everyone. And check out the MHKS Blog for more international dating tips.

Hong Kong is roughly three times the size of Washington, D.C., but it has a population that’s nearly ten times higher. With that many people in such a small area, it may be tough to find things to do on a first date. Where can you go that’s fun, interesting, and still quiet enough to allow for conversation? Check out these Hong Kong dating activities to plan for your first date.

Dating Activities in Hong Kong

Here are some dating ideas for in-person dates in Hong Kong:

• Take advantage of nice weather days with a peaceful hike on one of Hong Kong’s best hiking trails.
• Book a ride on the Star Ferry for an inexpensive way to see the sights.
• Jumpstart your new relationship at the Ryze Trampoline Park, complete with obstacle courses and foam pits.
• For evening dates, check out Hong Kong’s thriving nightlife, such as SoHo, LKF, or Wan Chai.
• Enjoy Mother Nature at Wetland Park and learn about the diverse wildlife in the region.
• Ride around Hong Kong on a TramOramic Tour from HK TramWays.

There are tons of small shops to visit throughout Hong Kong. Find out about your date’s hobbies and interests. Then tailor your first date to fit that. Consider budget, transport time, and operating hours as you plan your Hong Kong dating activities.

First Date Ideas for Long-Distance Dating in Hong Kong

What if you’re dating internationally? What can you do to create an experience like in-person dating? Here are some virtual dating activities for world dating:

• Make a meal together on a video chat, and then eat dinner from your homes.
• Start watching a TV show that neither of you has seen, and pause for conversation when you have new commentary.
• Play show-and-tell around your homes, showcasing the things you love and hate in your space.
• Play a two-player phone game while on video or on the phone together.
• Create fun presentations for what you would do for your ideal first date, and then show them to one another.
• Purchase a cheap board game that you can play in two different locations, such as Battleship or Guess Who.
• Play Mad Libs together to create funny statements and scenarios.
• Take turns choosing songs to play while you work on a puzzle or quiet hobby.

It may feel strange to have a date with someone in a different room, but modern technology makes anything possible. Think about what you would want to do together in person, and find a way to adapt that through video chat or phone calls. You might be amazed by how fun it can be!

How to Meet Singles in Hong Kong

Many Hong Kong singles date online because internet dating offers schedule flexibility. Hong Kongers have busy lives, and most of them keep their social circles small. Online dating provides a platform for meeting other people with similar goals. Singles can take time to think about what they want to say before they say it, and they can weed out the people they do not want to talk to.

Whether you live in Hong Kong or just want to meet singles living in Hong Kong, our dating site can help. We have a large network of singles in Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada, Australia, the U.S., and other international locations. Sign up for Meet Hong Kong Singles to start making connections. You’ll be testing out these Hong Kong dating activities soon enough!

Are you new to the online dating scene and not sure where to start? Do you feel awkward sparking conversations with strangers? This guide is designed to give you inspiration so that you can form meaningful connections on the internet. Check out these online dating starters and icebreaker questions from Meet Hong Kong Singles.

Classic Conversation Starters for Online Dating

If you want some go-to conversation starters that you can use again and again, try some of the following:

• Do you enjoy traveling, and if so, where is your favorite place to travel to?
• What are your hobbies?
• What do you like to do to relax after a hard day?
• How did you get started in your line of work, and where do you see your career heading in the future?
• What types of food do you enjoy making or eating?
• Do you have any special interests that may surprise me?
• I noticed {something unique} in your profile photo. Can you tell me more about that?

The more you can tailor your conversation starters to the person, the more likely you are to get a positive response. You may not have enough information to tailor a question initially, but you can adjust your approach as you learn more about their interests.

The Right Way to Respond to Icebreaker Questions

You won’t always be the person asking the questions. You need to prepare for both sides of the conversation. When someone asks you a question, provide a slightly elaborate answer or look for ways to turn that into a new question. Example:

Person 1: “Do you like to play video games?”

Person 2: “Yes, I really enjoy playing RPG games on PlayStation. How about you? What are your favorite games to play?”

The response went beyond “yes” to give the other person more information to work with. It also showed that the respondent wanted to redirect the conversation so that it was not all about their interests. This type of flow will give you the best chance of having a long-lasting and fulfilling discussion with someone else.

Creative Icebreaker Questions for Dating Sites

Sometimes it is fun to sprinkle in creative questions. You may come across someone with a noticeably quirky personality. Use these types of questions to catch their attention and jumpstart your relationship:

• If you had to pick a song that defined your life, what would it be and why?
• What is an interesting fact about your life that sounds made up but is completely true?
• What is the worst advice you’ve ever received or given to someone else?
• What would your career be if income wasn’t a factor?
• What would you consider your spirit animal and why?
• If someone wrote a book about your life, what do you think would be the most interesting chapter?
• What was a time in your life that you didn’t think you’d get through…but you did?

Personalize your creative questions based on the other person’s interests or your own interests. That approach will create a conversation that accurately measures your potential connection.

Phrase Your Questions to Encourage Conversation

The way you set up an icebreaker question can make a big difference in the flow of the conversation. Avoid “yes or no” questions and opt for open-ended ones. Instead of asking if a person likes music (yes or no), ask what their favorite type of music is and why. The second option allows the person to elaborate on their life, which could create opportunities for more discussions.

Psychology Today has a great blog post about What Makes a Good Conversation. They break down the key components that set good conversations apart from not-so-good conversations. As long as you’re attentive to what the other person says and you contribute to the discussion, you should be on your way to a meaningful connection.

Start Connecting with Other Singles Today

If you’re ready to test your skills with online dating starters, sign up for Meet Hong Kong Singles. We have a vast network of single adults from around the world. It only takes a few minutes to set up your account and start talking to potential partners. Your perfect match may only be a few clicks away!

Online dating is the go-to option for single professionals, international daters, introverts, and a variety of other daters. If you’re moving to Hong Kong or want to meet singles from Hong Kong, there are several dating sites to explore. Let’s look at the top dating sites in Hong Kong so that you can explore your options.

Popular Dating Sites and Apps in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million people, but there are not a lot of dating sites that target this area. This is one of the many reasons we decided to launch MeetHongKongsingles.com. We could see a need for an easy-to-use dating platform that catered to international dating in HK.

Here are some popular dating sites in Hong Kong you may want to check out:

• Meet Hong Kong Singles – An international dating site that is quickly becoming the leading platform for dating in Hong Kong. Meet singles from around the world on this user-friendly dating service. This option is perfect for international daters because it allows you to connect with people from other countries, no matter where you live.
• Coffee Meets Bagel – A dating app where singles can meet other singles in Hong Kong. Not ideal for international dating, but it works well for local dating.
• Tinder/Grindr/Her – These apps are mostly for casual hookups, and they aren’t as popular in Hong Kong as they are in the United States. Nevertheless, you could use one of these apps to potentially meet singles in your area who aren’t looking for a committed relationship.
• Bumble – Some people use Bumble to make friends or create platonic connections. You can form a relationship through Bumble, but you may not find a serious relationship right away.

Choose a dating site or app that aligns with your overall goals. The audiences on casual dating sites are much different than on dating sites for serious relationships. Consider what you want out of your online dating experience, and select a platform that fits those plans.

Can You Use a Hong Kong Dating Site from Another Country?

The answer to this will depend on the dating site you want to use. For example, Meet Hong Kong Singles works in many countries. We designed the site specifically for people to connect internationally.

Many of the top dating apps in Hong Kong are meant to be used on a local level. You can use them to find people in your area, but you may not be able to interact internationally. If you want a Hong Kong dating site that you can use from the U.S., Europe, Australia, etc., consider MeetHongKongSingles.com. We have a variety of men and women from around the world who are eagerly looking to form relationships online.

How to Maximize Your Results on Hong Kong Dating Sites

A good online dating profile makes all the difference. This is the first thing people interact with, so you want to showcase your best qualities. Write a concise bio that highlights your interests and unique traits. Use a clear close-up image for your profile picture, ideally with you smiling. Avoid controversial topics like politics on your profile to avoid turning people away.

Try to update your profile periodically to show that you’re active on the site. Engage with people who interact with you, even if they don’t seem like “your type” at first glance. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Vulnerability could be the key to your online dating success.

If you’d like more online dating tips, check out the Meet Hong Kong Singles Blogs. We share advice from experienced dating specialists who know what it takes to start a relationship online.

Are you looking to date people from Hong Kong? Are you moving to Hong Kong and interested in dating while you’re there? Understanding the Hong Kong dating scene can help you prepare for cultural differences, but every person’s experience is completely unique. This guide provides an overview of what Hong Kong singles are looking for based on intensive research from our dating experts.

The Average Dating Age in Hong Kong

People in Hong Kong tend to get married later in life compared to other Asian cultures (Source). Dating normally starts in the adult years, often after the person has completed post-secondary school. Hong Kong is a bustling community with a career-focused culture. Most Hong Kong singles put their careers first and consider dating after they’re on their desired path.

Dating in high school is not common in Hong Kong as it is in the United States. Couples may have children shortly after getting married, but they delay marriage until their lives are well established. Most Hong Kong women will date men their age or older, but men are comfortable dating women younger than them. Of course, these preferences vary greatly by individual and may change with adapting times.

Most Hong Kong Singles Are Working Professionals

Most singles in Hong Kong value their careers. This applies to both men and women. Work may be one of the first topics of conversation when dating someone from Hong Kong. Most Hong Kongers expect their partners to be similarly motivated unless they plan to be a stay-at-home caretakers for children. Do not assume your career will be top-priority when dating a Hong Kong single. Their career is likely going to be equally important.

Conservative Values Remain Strong in the Hong Kong Dating Scene

If you’re used to dating in the United States, you’re familiar with casual dating and hookup culture. Hong Kong singles have much different expectations and experiences from dating. They tend to value long-term, committed relationships, and many date with the intention of finding a life partner. Physical affection may take a while to build up to. Focus on establishing meaningful connections that will hopefully yield a lifelong partnership.

Many Hong Kong Singles Enjoy International Dating

International dating is welcomed in Hong Kong. This densely-populated region is packed with millions of eligible singles, yet most singles say that it is difficult to form connections outside of work. Hong Kongers often enjoy learning about other cultures, and they like dating online because it’s convenient for their busy lives. They can send messages around their work schedules and connect with people all around the world.

Some Hong Kong singles aim to stay in the region to be close to family, but many are willing to move for their relationships. It does not matter if you want to move to Hong Kong or you’re simply interested in meeting Hong Kongers – you can likely find someone who connects with your vision for the future.

How to Meet Hong Kong Singles Online

Now that you know what Hong Kong singles are looking for, it’s time to meet them! Meet Hong Kong Singles is one of the fastest-growing online dating platforms for international dating. We have a network of single men and women from many countries, and we offer a great user experience on our site. Sign up at MeetHongKongSingles.com to start your Hong Kong dating journey.

International dating is a different experience than in-person dating. It can be incredibly rewarding, but you may need some extra support to get through the initial hurdles. The Meet Hong Kong Singles Blog features a variety of world dating guides for international relationships. Here are some helpful tips to start your journey.

Determine If International Dating Is Right for You

International dating isn’t the right fit for everyone. You may thrive meeting people from different countries, or you may be way too far out of your comfort zone. Weigh the pros and cons of international relationships to determine what you want to pursue.

Pros of International Dating

International dating provides endless opportunities for new experiences. You can meet people from around the world and discover interesting elements of other cultures. If you don’t feel like you relate well to people in your country, dating someone from across the world may be the perfect fit for you!

International dating is particularly great for people who love to travel. You are likely to find a fellow travel enthusiast in your dating journey, and soon you’ll have a partner to share those experiences with.

If you’re an introvert, you may feel more confident with world dating. Language barriers and time differences create lags in communication, so you have a chance to formulate thoughtful messages before you send them. This may be a drawback for some people, but it could work to your advantage. The person you’re talking to won’t have a problem with the delay because that’s a natural side effect of dating in other countries.

Cons of International Dating

International dating comes with certain frustrations. The person you’re talking to may not understand your native dialect or your language altogether. You can work through this obstacle to forge conversations, but it takes more effort than talking to someone in your country.

International dating does not provide many experiences for in-person encounters. If you need physical touch to feel connected with someone, this may not be a good fit for you. You will eventually be able to meet the people you’re talking to, but there is a much longer waiting period than you’d have dating someone locally.

Of course, there is always the risk that you’re not talking to the person you think you’re talking to. This happens with any online dating scenario, not just international dating. Take some extra precautions to protect yourself and the other person, such as asking for a selfie in a specific pose (hold three fingers in front of your face). Online dating requires a leap of faith, but the good people on dating sites vastly outweigh the bad.

The risks mentioned above are why it’s often best to pay a small sum for a dating site subscription rather than relying on free dating sites. Most bad people online will not pay that fee, however small, so you can weed out the undesirable options quickly.

Is International Dating Harder Than In-Person Dating?

You’re going to face challenges no matter how you date. In-person dating comes with similar hurdles, such as differences in schedules or knowing who to trust. The travel obstacles with international dating may be too much for you, or you may think they’re worth the effort to meet people from other cultures. Explore your options through online dating and see what kind of connections you make. That’s the best way to determine if world dating is right for you.

How to Address Language Barriers with World Dating

Language barriers are the biggest obstacles in international dating. Even if the other person speaks your language, there are going to be differences in slang and word usage that make it tricky to communicate.

If you do not speak the same language whatsoever, you can use free programs like Google Translate to translate your messages to each other. The translations will not be perfect, but you can get a general idea of what the other person is saying.

When you find someone you connect strongly with, spend some time learning their language. There are tons of language tutorials on YouTube, or you could pay for a class to learn the basics. The more effort you put in, the more you can connect with your potential partner. Hopefully, they will put the same effort into learning your language so that you can bond even further.

Check out Other World Dating Guides from Meet Hong Kong Singles

Meet Hong Kong Singles is quickly becoming a go-to resource for online dating tips. We have a diverse international online dating blog with tons of helpful world dating guides. Here are some of our most popular resources:

• The Ultimate Online Dating Guide: 50 Suggestions for Online Dating
• Dating Tips for Introverts: How to Date When You’re Shy
• Online Dating Conversation Tips – How to Start a Relationship Online
• Conversation Starters for Online Dating
• Online Dating Profile Setup – How to Use Meet Hong Kong Singles
• Hong Kong Dating Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts of Dating Hong Kong Singles

Ready to start your international relationship? Sign up for Meet Hong Kong Singles and match with like-minded adults.

You have a first date planned, but you have no clue what to talk about. The nerves are sinking in, and you want to make sure you make a great first impression. Research shows that 89% of singles will followup after a first date if the date went well. All you need are some dating conversation examples to carry with you on your journey.

Check out these first-date talking tips from Meet Hong Kong Singles.

Appropriate Conversation Topics for First Dates

Dating conversations shouldn’t feel scripted. However, you may think of some topics ahead of time so that you feel more prepared in the moment. Here are topic ideas you may expand on during your date:

• Hobbies and special interests, such as music, art, puzzles, or animal rescue
• Family memories and traditions
• Most TV shows and books (avoid controversial or potentially offensive topics)
• Work, career goals, and education
• Travel plans and past experiences

Check out these Conversation Starters for Online Dating for more tips on how to keep a conversation going.

Topics to Avoid on First Dates

In most cases, it is best to avoid discussing politics or religion on a first date. If you met online, you might have already faced these discussions in your preliminary conversation. That opens the door for a wider spectrum of topics, but you should still avoid anything that may make your date feel uncomfortable from the start.

Try not to talk about your exes or other people you’ve dated unless that naturally fits within the conversation. For example, your date may ask you what your wildest dating experience was in an effort to spark a new topic. You can banter accordingly, but avoid doting on people from your past. Keep the focus on your current experience instead of lingering emotions from the past.

Do not insult the other person during your date. This may seem like obvious advice, but it’s important to note. Let’s say that person uses self-deprecating humor in conversation. You may consider that an opportunity to poke fun at them as well since they started the jokes. That crosses a line that doesn’t need to be crossed on a first date.

Dating Conversation Examples That Encourage Discussion

Want to see some examples of a successful first-date conversation? The mock discussions below highlight some of the key skills you can use during your date.

Conversation Example #1

• Jack: Hello! This is my first time eating at this restaurant. Have you eaten here before, and is this the type of place you like to eat?
• Jill: I’ve seen this place on social media a lot and always wanted to try it. Normally I stick to healthy takeout that I can grab on the way home from work, like sushi or a protein bowl.
• Jack: I definitely understand wanting to grab food on the way home. I’m way too tired after work to cook. I try to meal prep on one of my days off, so I have food available when I get home.
• Jill: Oh, so you cook? That’s awesome! What kinds of food do you like to make?
• Jack: I usually make some sort of fish with a green leafy side, like salmon and a spinach salad. I just got an air fryer, and I’m excited to start using that to cook.
• Jill: I love my air fryer! I’ve had it for a couple of years now, and I use it all the time. I won’t cook chicken thighs any other way now that I’ve had them in the air fryer.

Conversation Example #2

• Jill: Hey there! It’s so nice to finally meet in person. I love your jacket. My Hero Academia is one of my favorite anime.
• Jack: You like it too? I’ve only watched the first two seasons, but I love it so far. What other anime do you watch?
• Jill: My Crunchyroll list looks crazy. My taste is all over the place. Sometimes I’m in the mood for intense action like Demon Slayer, and sometimes I want to watch something calming like Your Lie in April. 
• Jack: What’s Crunchyroll?
• Jill: It’s a streaming service mostly dedicated to anime. I used my sister’s account for a while when I first got into anime, but I had to get my own account when I moved out of the country.
• Jack: Moving away from your family must have been tough. What brought you here? Work, school, travel?

Key Takeaways from These Dating Conversation Examples

As you can see in both examples, the participants intently listened to what the other person had to say. They used that information to add to what the other person said or ask questions relating to the statements.

In the second example, Jill noticed what Jack was wearing. This is a simple way to start a conversation when you aren’t sure what to say. “I love your earrings. Where are they from?” This tells the other person that you’re paying attention, and your mind is completely invested in this date.

Test Your Dating Conversation Skills

Practice some dating conversations with close friends to get a feel for how the conversation might flow. It may feel awkward at first, but that’s a great way to get some of the nerves out of the way. There is no substitute for experience, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. This upcoming first date could be the start of a long-lasting relationship.