What to Ask on Your First Date: 7 Best Questions

Have you ever noticed that there are always three on a first date? You, them, and awkwardness. That's fine. You’re only two strangers trying to get to know each other better, but suddenly you're at an interview, answering where you see yourself in five years. Based on your ‘fascinating’ discussion about how cold it is today, your answer is a meteorologist.

Still, it's not all that bad! If you’re struggling to think of something a bit more interesting, check out these 7 seemingly harmless questions to learn everything you need to know about your date.

1. Do you cook?

If you're meeting at a coffee shop or restaurant, this question works perfectly for filling the time after you've ordered. This is a chance to find out what they like ;) It’s also a good time to talk about your culinary skills (or lack thereof) and see how they feel about it. Maybe they see their soulmate as a homemaker or maybe they love cooking themselves.

2. Have you ever had a blind date?

Why not start a date discussing funny dating experiences? This will help if you don't meet at dinner. Think of (or make up, just shh) something funny from a past meeting, then ask if they have similar stories. The blind date question can give you a better idea of how risky and adventurous they are. It’s your call whether that's good or bad.

3. If you could learn anything in half an hour, what would you choose?

Get comfortable, this will take a while. First, you can hear about their hobbies. If they wouldn't spend more than half an hour learning something, find out why. Are they lazy or unmotivated? Having clarified if they'd like this to be their job, you can move on to the latter. Talk about what they do, whether they dream of a promotion, and if they're a solo or team player. Alternatively, they might be totally unhappy at work but don't look elsewhere due to a lack of confidence or indecision about what they want. Perhaps you can help them, or maybe you shouldn't get involved.

4. What kind of travel do you like?

The question is back on the agenda after Covid-19 lost its grip. Planning your next holiday, you’ll want to know whether your partner would rather trek through tropical rainforests or chill next to a pool. There's also a chance you don't get this travel craze at all. If so, let them know that the lockdown lifting hasn't really changed your plans and make sure they treat it with respect.

5. What's the best relationship advice you've ever shared?

They'll probably think it's time to show off their wise outlook on life. However, this advice didn't appear out of nowhere. Leading questions can reveal what situations led them to such conclusions and if they follow their own advice. Basically, it's the same old questions about past relationships but in a tactful manner. You can ask about their love life in more detail if you like. Just don't get too curious – respect others' boundaries.

6. How do you celebrate holidays?

This question will let you know whether you're facing an introvert or an extrovert. In case of the latter, you can immediately figure out if they're more into parties with friends or family gatherings. See how they'd like to celebrate their next birthday right away. Firstly, you won't have to guess how to organise everything when the time comes. Secondly, it's a great way to find out their zodiac sign. What if you aren't compatible? Is it worth it?

7. What's the last movie or concert they went to?

The question works well at the end of the date, especially if they're walking you and an opportunity arises to point out a poster. Here's your chance to compare your tastes, or to find out if they enjoy the phrase “Let's... not go anywhere?” like you do. Plus, you can ask how they relax after a long workday: if they play PlayStation or shop online. Some hobbies can get out of hand. Still, don't jump to conclusions, just keep an eye out. Forewarned is forearmed.

Last tips for more ideas

Embrace the moment and the convo. The right company will inspire you to ask questions that reveal your date and yourself better. If none come to mind, you either like them too much or not enough. This is when these 7 tools can come in handy, saving your evening from disaster.