Starting a conversation on a first date can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression and find common ground, but you want to seem relaxed and eager. The key is to find the right balance of questions and comments that will get your date talking without feeling like they’re being interrogated. To help you break the ice, here are ten conversation starters that can help you start your first date off on the right foot.

1. Talk about something you have in common

If you’re feeling a bit nervous about your first date, start the conversation with something you both have in common. This could be anything from a shared hobby or interest to a similar experience you’ve both had or even a shared goal or dream. Talking about something you relate to can help break the ice and make the conversation more comfortable and natural.

For example, if you’re both passionate about cooking, then you could talk about some of your favorite recipes and restaurants you’ve visited. Or, if you both love to travel, you could talk about your favorite places to visit and experiences you’ve had while abroad. Finding things, you both have in common can be a great way to get the conversation flowing and connect.

2. Ask about their hobbies or interests

Talking on a first date can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to say. One of the best ways to start a conversation is to ask about their hobbies or interests. This can be a great way to get to know each other and learn more about the person you are dating.

Start by asking what they like to do in their free time and then follow up with specific questions about any hobbies or activities they mention. You could ask about what sports they enjoy, what music they like to listen to, or if they have any special talents. If they mention a familiar activity, try asking for tips or advice.

Asking about hobbies or interests can open up the conversation and help to make your date more relaxed and enjoyable. It will allow you to learn more about your date and give you something to talk about if the conversation starts to lull. Remember, conversations don’t have to be complicated—simply getting to know each other better is enough!

3. Talk about your favorite places to travel

Initiating the conversation by talking about your favorite places to travel can be tense-free to get started on your first date. Whether it’s a far-flung beach you’ve dreamed of visiting or a nearby city, you’d like to explore, discussing your love of travel can open up a wealth of conversation topics.

Start by discussing your most recent trip, or if it has been a while since you last traveled, discuss the places you dream of seeing. You can share stories about the places you’ve been and the interesting cultures, people, and experiences you’ve had. You can also ask your date about their favorite places to travel and discuss the similarities and differences between your travel experiences.

When planning your next adventure, ask your date where they would love to go and what kind of activities they would like to do. Is your date a foodie who loves trying different cuisines? Or do they prefer to explore historical landmarks and museums? Get to know each other’s interests and come up with a list of places you could visit together.

The beauty of discussing travel is that it can help you discover a lot about each other quickly and set the tone for more meaningful conversations in the future. If you both love exploring new places, you may even plan a trip together!

4. Talk about your favorite books, movies, or TV shows

Talking about your favorite books, movies, or TV shows can be a great way to start a conversation, especially on your first date or when engaging with someone you never met before. Talking about these topics can provide an easy way to get to know each other better. For example, if you both love a certain book or movie, you can talk about why you like it and what makes it so special. Or, you could ask each other questions and learn more about each other’s tastes and interests.

Discussing your favorite books, movies, and TV shows can also give you insight into the type of person the other person is. Is your date into action movies, or do they prefer romantic comedies? Are they more into science fiction novels or historical dramas? These topics can be great conversation starters and provide plenty of fodder for conversation throughout the night.

5. Ask about their family or pets

When you’re on a first date, knowing where to start with a conversation can be challenging. But one thing that almost everyone can relate to is their family and/or pets. Asking your date about their family and pets can be an easy way to get to know them better and show interest in them.

For instance, you could ask them about their siblings or parents. If they have any pets, asking about their pet’s personality or funny stories can be a great way to make your date laugh. It can also be interesting to learn about their extended families, such as their aunts and uncles. Talking about these topics can help you bond over shared experiences and memories.

6. Talk about your favorite foods

Food is one of the great unifiers in life. Whether you’re a vegan, a carnivore, a foodie, or plain picky, you have favorite foods and things you simply won’t touch.

Talking about food on your first date is a great way to get to know each other better and understand each other’s tastes. It can help you discover common interests and shared favorites, which can serve as a jumping-off point for the rest of your conversation.

You can start by discussing the food types you both like and don’t like. Are there any particular dishes or restaurants that you both love? Is there something that you’ve always wanted to try? Has either of you recently tried something new or different?

You can also use this topic to learn more about each other’s cultures and backgrounds. What kind of food do you typically eat when you go home for the holidays? Do you have any special recipes that have been passed down in your family? Do you have any unique dishes or ingredients from your heritage?

Food can be a great conversation starter, so don’t be afraid to get creative and explore this topic with your date!

7. Talk about your job or career

Talking about your job or career is a great conversation starter if you feel nervous about your first date. Even if you’re not a fan of your current job or career, it is a good topic to discuss and can help you bond over shared experiences. Plus, it can be a great way to learn more about the person you’re dating since their career often says a lot about them.

One great way to start this conversation is by asking your date about their career aspirations. What are they hoping to accomplish in their job? Do they have any long-term goals that they’d like to work towards? These questions can help you understand how ambitious and motivated they are, which can be great qualities in a partner.

Another good question is to ask your date what they like and dislikes about their current job. This could lead to a discussion about workplace environments, politics, office culture, etc. It could also reveal how much they value their job or career. You can find out something they’d like to change or strive for, which provides insight into their personality and values.

8. Ask about their favorite music

Music can be a great way to get to know someone better on a first date. Ask your date about their favorite music and find out what music they like and why. Do they prefer classic rock, rap, or country? Or maybe they’re into something a little more obscure. Not only will you get a glimpse into their musical preferences, but you can also learn a lot about their personality. For example, people who are into heavy metal might have a different outlook on life than someone who is into classical music. Asking about their favorite music is an easy conversation starter that can lead to a great conversation.

9. Talk about your favorite sports teams

Sports are a great way to break the ice on a first date. Talking about your favorite sports teams can be an easy conversation starter and allow you to get to know your date better. Whether you both follow the same teams or have different loyalties, talking about sports can be a fun way to connect and have a lively discussion.

If you have the same favorite teams, you can compare stats and share your thoughts on the team’s performance throughout the season. You can also talk about upcoming games and plan a date night to watch the game together!

If you both follow different teams, you can use it to bond over friendly rivalry. Ask your date about their team’s performance and why they became a fan in the first place. You can also use this time to learn something new about your date, such as what other sports they follow or if they play any sports themselves.

10. Ask about their favorite vacation spots

Talking about travel can be a great way to learn more about someone on your first date. Asking about their favorite vacation spots can help you get to know them better, and it can also be a great way to plan a potential future trip together!

Start by asking your date what kind of vacations they enjoy. Do they prefer beach trips or city visits? Once you know what kind of trips they prefer, you can ask them to tell you more about their favorite places to visit. Ask them to tell you more about the sights and experiences that made the trip special.

If they’ve been to the same destination as you, it can be fun to compare notes and stories. Talk about what places they loved the most and the ones they wished they could have explored more. Share some of your best memories from past trips and see how many similar experiences you have.