On first dates conversation can be uncomfortably slow at times. You don’t know much about the person and you have no history with them so it can be difficult to find things to talk about. Add a little bit of nervousness and tension to the situation and things are downright awkward.

This article will give you a few ideas to help you start great conversations on a date with people that you may not know very well.

But first, it’s important to understand a few things about socializing on dates.

People like to talk about themselves! Most of us would rather talk about our life than listen to someone else talk about theirs. There is nothing wrong with that, it’s just human nature. With that in mind the conversation starters I give you later in this article purposely focus the conversation on the other person.

It’s a good idea to keep all conversation positive–never bring up negative things like death. It’s also wise to avoid controversial subjects like religion, politics, and abortion until you get to know the person better.

Try desperately to keep away from all “canned” conversations like, “So, what do you do?” or, “Where are you from?” This stuff is important to know later on (maybe the second or third date) but it makes you seem dull and unoriginal… not the kind of image you want to portray on the first date.

Here are some good conversation starters that focus the conversation on the other person:

>>> “Have any pets?”

This should start up a lively conversation because people LOVE their pets and LOVE talking about them even more. If they don’t have any pets then just move on to something else. Or, you could ask, “Really? Why not?”

>>> “Where did you get that _______?”

Ask them about a specific piece of jewelry or clothing. This conversation starter works particularly well with a really unique piece of jewelry or clothing… something they might be interested in telling the story behind.

>>> “Have you ever ________?”

Ask about something that you are knowledgeable about or enjoy doing. This is a good way to find out if you have common ground. If they do have that interest in common with you then you will have plenty to talk about. If they don’t have that interest then just say, “Oh, I see.” They will ask, “Why do ask, have you?” Then answer honestly but don’t brag and don’t go on about it for too long–just move onto something else.

>>> “Do you like sports?”

Men AND women are passionate about sports and all enthusiasts enjoy talking about them. Who knows, you both may enjoy the same sport… why not buy tickets and go to a game for your next date?

>>> “Have you ever been to ________?”

Ask them if they have ever been to a local hotspot that you enjoy. Maybe it’s a club, restaurant, or amusement park. If they HAVEN’T been there then this is a great way to get a second date… “You haven’t been? You don’t know what you are missing out on, we have GOT to go…”

All of these conversation starters are centered around topics that have the potential for interesting and exciting conversation.

If you really have trouble with keeping conversation going it may be a good idea to go out on a group date with another couple. This will take most of the pressure off of you two so conversation will flow more easily and naturally.

Good luck. And remember, your date wants to respect you– don’t make it hard for them!
Brian Caniglia
brian@datestacker.com
www.datestacker.com

You ever wish you could go back in time and just recreate all of the feelings you had for one another on the first date? Well, I’ve got a few ideas that might help you grab a hold of that old feeling.

The truth is, life can take its toll and sometimes we just grow a little too old with one another and it’s pertinent to work hard at bringing our youthful selves back to the forefront.

Although our physical selves will continue to grow older, it doesn’t mean we have to let that happen on an emotional level as well. Yes, there will be days when things get routine, but we can always vouch for a little excitement from time to time. Don’t you think?

Now this idea, I consider it to be something that you can only use once in a while. Simply because it too would become a predictable routine if used too frequently. Also, because it’s based on timing and money.

And since neither of those things are always available at the time we want them to be… you just may have to stash this one away until you find the appropriate time to use it.

The Date in the Making…

I was thinking a fun thing to do when things get a little stale is spend a few days away from one another. Now, before I go any further, let me say this isn’t a bad thing. This is all geared toward adding a little extra fun in the mix, if you’re up for a small adventure. The two of you may be getting along famously, but if you’re looking for a little more festivity this could be it.

Here’s how I have it all in mind…

You can sit down with your partner and collaborate on which one of you will spend a couple of days away from home. If you have a relative in town this could be the option you take or if money isn’t a problem you could spend a couple of days in a hotel.

Once you’ve come to an agreement then it’s time to put the rest into action.

Okay, so let’s say your husband decides to be the one to spend a couple of nights at a hotel.

Right now, you might be wondering why he needs to leave the house at all.

Well, there is one very important reason why this is a good idea. Once the both of you separate and spend some time apart, functioning without one another for several days makes the anticipation of seeing each other again a lot more exciting.

The two of you are able to reconnect with the reality of spending time apart. Things will happen in your day that you’ll be able to converse about later, and vice versa.

Another reason is that it induces appreciation for the other person. Sometimes we take each other for granted, but when we spend time away from one another, it’s a lot easier to see how important that person is to us.

But I don’t want to get ahead of myself; it will make more sense as I move along, and by the time you’re done reading all of this it’ll all come together nicely.

So, now that you’ve both decided on the fact that he’ll be leaving for a couple of days, the next step is to spend a few days without any initial contact with one another. I consider one day too little, two days to be a fair amount of time, and three days to be just right. But how many days is really up to you in the end.

Tameka Norris is the founder of Romantic Short Love Stories. Offering the best of both worlds with true love stories, romantic fiction, love poetry, articles, tutorials, and relationship advice. Visit Romantic-Short-Love-Stories.com

I would like to share a little of my experience with dating gals.

I like to join group gathering, functions, get together type of arrangement among a group of people, etc. I will mingle among those people and find my target gal - the one I have a sort of feeling for. Once I find that gal, I will approach her to start a normal conversation. If I am not being rejected, then I will proceed to bring her away from the crowd where I can have a more private talk with her.

Normally my first conversation will last for at least 2 hours and I will volunteer to send her back home. Before parting, I will get her contact numbers and soon I will be calling her every other night if I am not going out with her on a date.

I believe to make your first date, you should be brave to make your first move to break the ice. Don’t be shy if you want someone to be in your life.