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Going on a first date can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know how it’s going to go and what you should say. That feeling can be hard to escape,but being nervous is actually a good thing— you’re eager for love, and you’re looking forward to what could be. If you want to get the ball rolling, here are some of the best conversation starters. 

1. What’s Your Drink, and How Do You Take It?

Learning their favorite drink and how they like to make it can tell you a lot about how meticulous they are about what they like. You can remember this order for any future dates, or maybe you could bond over a shared love for artisan coffee. You never know. 

2. If You Get Three Wishes, What’s Your Must-Wish?

Knowing what they absolutely want to wish for in life tells you their greatest goals. You can certainly ask them what their three wishes would be and what order they would make those wishes too, to keep the conversation going. 

3. What’s a Small Hill You’re Willing to Die On?

There are so many small takes that you’re willing to actively fight for, which can result in a couple of nods and chuckles. Whether it’s about dining outdoors or texting, you can get to know how your date’s mind works. 

4. What’s a Skill You’ve Actively Worked On?

Let people take pride in what they’ve actively learned and honed. Whether it’s something for work or leisure, giving space for those activities and the nuances that come with them can be pretty enlightening. You can also share yours. 

5. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Received?

People receive comments and advice throughout their lives. However, the best words of wisdom are something that you hold near and dear to your heart. Learning what those words are for your date can be eye-opening about the type of person they are. 

6. What Superpower Would You Pay to Have?

Look, having a dream superpower can be a fun conversation, but it can be hard to extend. With this question, you can have plenty of follow-up queries, like how much you think super strength would cost or what would happen in a world where superpowers are sold as a commodity. 

7. What’s a Film That Resonates With You?

Do they have a Disney film that they hold near and dear to their heart? Do they remember where they were and what they thought the first time that they watched that movie? Learn all the details and more to better understand them. 

8. How Do You Destress After a Long Day?

Relaxation time is sacred, especially for those in a stressful line of work. Learn how they like to rest and see if it aligns with how you like to relax. You can also provide a couple of suggestions of your own and share your own experiences. 

9. What’s Your Favorite Trope in Fiction?

Are they a fan of the angst, or do they prefer the fluff of found family? Which story did they enjoy that best executed that trope? Whether it’s in literature or film, you can learn what kind of dynamics they gravitate toward. 

10. What’s Your Ultimate Beige Flag?

A beige flag is any quirky trait that’s neither good nor bad, and being able to answer this question lets you know just how self-aware they are. Think of it as the first step in being vulnerable with them. 

11. What Weapon Would You Wield in an Apocalypse?

People who contemplate how to encounter and survive a zombie apocalypse are among the best conversationalists. Ask them what their strategy would be and, most importantly, what weapon they think they would use. 

12. What Show Can You Rewatch Every Year?

Everyone surely has a show they tend to hyperfixate on and rewatch over and over. Ask them what details they’ve caught on their most recent rewatch, or what makes them keep coming back to that series for more. 

13. What’s An Activity You Like Doing Alone?

Activities that you do alone mean you aren’t doing it performatively— it’s solely because you enjoy it. For example, some people like going out in nature to connect with all living things, while others only hop on it because it’s supposedly trendy.  

14. What Drew You to Your Passion in Life?

Knowing your first date’s passion is one thing. Understanding their journey to falling in love with that passion is another. Learn what has solidified that part of their life and how long they will stick with those activities they adore. 

15. What’s Your Favorite Thing About Where You Grew Up?

If your first date shares a little bit about their culture or where they grew up, ask them what their favorite thing about it is. It can certainly unlock a myriad of beautiful memories that they can share and reveal how attuned they are to their roots. 

16. Who Would Sing the Soundtrack to Your Life?

Do they have a favorite artist whose sound they absolutely adore? Are there any specific songs that they definitely want included in the imaginary setlist? You can also ask them which singer they’d have for a feature song. 

17. When Was The Last Time You Felt Absolutely Alive?

There are many moments that can help people feel exhilarated, whether it’s going on a roller coaster or driving in the early morning. What’s a recent memory that your first date had such thrills about, and why did it make them feel so alive?

18. Where Would You Set the Second Date?

Some people like to wait for some signs before setting the next date. But if you like what you see, you have a good feeling about this person, or you’ve had some good online conversations, asking about a second date right off the bat can be a great way to ease the jitters and share a nice, awkward chuckle. You can even offer your own plans too. 

Choose Your Favorite Casual Conversation Starters

While many of these are mainly for getting to know your first date, some of these can also be fun conversation starters for couples. Set the date and choose your favorite line. And ultimately, relax and see where the conversation takes you.