Questions to Spark Conversation

Quit the small talk! Every first date conversation is the same, "Where are you from?", "How old are you?" and "What do you do for work?" type of questions. Don't bore your date with these common questions. Ask them something that will bring you closer.

One of my favorite dating shows is Netflix's Singles Inferno. On the show, dating singles are not allowed to ask about each other's age or occupation until they "have a date in Paradise." Paradise date aside, I think this approach causes the singles to become naturally curious about one another. They form first impressions mostly based on looks, but also based on conversations that are about their true personality. It's interesting how simply a person's needs and wants are when they're not discussing work and stressing about their circumstances.

For your blind dates, I recommend not jumping into "What do you do for work?" or "How old are you?" questions. Though these things are important to learn, you'd be surprised by how much more there is to a person than what they do from 9-5. If you limit your preferences based on these two criteria, you might be preventing yourself from getting to know someone who is a match for you.

Here are some deeper personality-based questions that can tell you more about a person:

• What is something you’ve done that you recommend everyone do before they die?

• What’s the best relationship advice you’ve ever gotten?

• What are you most proud of about yourself?

• What is your favorite memory with family?

• What’s the biggest thing on your bucket list?

• What’s the biggest opportunity you were given?

• What is one superpower you would hate having?

• If you were famous, what would you want to be known for?

• What small pleasures do you enjoy the most?

• What’s your earliest childhood memory?

• What is something you always wanted to do as a child but never got to do it?

• What is the first thing you hope people notice about you?

• If you had to endorse a brand, which brand would it be?

• What is the scariest thing you have ever done for fun?

• What’s your favorite useless fact?

• If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would it be?

• As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• What movie do you never get tired of watching?

• Who is in your dream concert lineup?

Enjoy the conversations that follow. Whether you find something in common or you learn something new, it's all about connecting to the story behind each person. Have fun talking about yourself as well! If you can find someone who is engaged listening to you, there's a chance they are interested in getting to know you further. Let's help you get past the first date and build long-lasting connections!