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.