First dates can be terrifying. When you meet and go out with someone for the very first time, there’s a lot of things to unwrap. You’re mostly trying to figure out if the two of you are capable – and if there should be a second date in your future. Like most people, I’m an anxious mess when it comes to first dates. I’m constantly worried about – ‘Am I saying the right thing? ‘Am I asking the right questions?’ ‘Was that too personal?’
It’s often times hard to decipher what the proper thing to say is – or, what to ask someone when meeting them for the first time. You want to get to know them, yet, you don’t want to divulge into anything too personal. And – trust me when I say – if you do ask anything too personal, you’ll end up either being really uncomfortable or turned off completely. Although it’s important to find out everything about the person you’re dating – the first date is definitely not the place. But, on the bright side, there are some questions you should ask your date on the first go-around, seeing if you two are going to work at all – even just for a second date.
1. What do you do for a living?
This is a basic question everyone asks anyone they meet on the first go – not just dates. It’s important to see if the person you’re going to potentially date is interested in what they do or passionate about it – there’s nothing like seeing someone’s eyes light up when discussing something they love. It’s also vital to ask this to see how busy they are on a weekly basis – if someone’s an accountant, you’ll know right off the bat that during tax season, they’ll be MIA. If they’re a teacher, you know they have summers and weekends off to run wild. If they’re a bartender, you know they work late nights, etc. It’s a pretty good way to understand the basics of someone and their life.
2. Where did you grow up?
Asking a person what city/area they grew up in tells a lot more about them than people would think. Coming from New York City – there are a lot of differences in where you grow up. I’m a Queens girl, growing up around the most diverse populations and being exposed to a lot of different cultures. When I tell people this on the first date, they’re usually impressed and understand that I’m pretty open-minded when it comes to experiences, food, and places. If someone is from a rural area, you know that they may be slightly sheltered or close-minded, only knowing one way of life. But, people coming from urban areas, like Queens, may be used to a bit more diversity. That’s not to say everyone is that way – but, it does give off a certain vibe.
3. Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
This is my favorite question to ask – because you get to see if the person you’re dating is into travel and into new experiences/places. I love to travel – although, I did just leave the country for the very first time this year (and, I’m already ready to leave again). But, knowing people are worldly and into Wanderlust is an attractive quality to have. Or, if you’re not into travel, knowing that someone also may not be into it can be an attractive quality for you, as well. It’s also super interesting to hear about other people’s trips, experiences and opinions of places maybe you have been, too.