It’s funny how with some this isn’t a problem at all, it’s how to stop talking during the movie, play, or dinner. That’s when you know it’s a good date. I remember a first date when I couldn’t care at all anything else but our conversation, even when we were doing something I normally enjoy. You can bet on a second date.On the other hand, stilted or awkward conversation can make you both look at your watch, other people, or the worst, you might get bored. I’m fine with silence but not a lot of it. I get plenty of that the weekends I don’t have dates, lol.

Avoid Talking about Past Relationships
This includes past dates, boyfriends/girlfriends/spouses, etc.

Why? You want to start off new, not drag other past hurts into the conversation. More than two is a crowd on a date - even if it’s positive. I am guilty of doing this sometimes. I need to remember that it’s usually not a good idea. I’ve had a date bring up a very sensitive issue and press about it until I was in tears. Smiles are the goal, not tears.

If you have more dates, there will be plenty of time to delve into each other’s past. You never know what is in someone’s past and the future is more exciting anyway.

I once had a first date that inspired me by his past. He grew up in Mexico and he chronicled his path to be where he is today. I was moved and inspired. I had so much respect for him and still do.

Family and Friends
Ask how many siblings your date has, if they are close to any one of them, and similar topics. I like hearing the classic family story or two (but not more than that unless they are great storytellers). Another good topic is asking about a person’s close friendships. It will teach you a lot about them.

Travel

Travel is an adventure. Hopefully they’ve left Utah. Where have they been? What did they do there? Where did they love visiting the most?

The Word Game

I love this game that happened spontaneously one phone conversation: take turn asking each other short questions. blue or red? seafood or steak? Stay in a hotel or a tent?

This game can go on and on. Play it while you’re waiting for dinner then talk about the most interesting or surprising answers. The game can get funny, interesting, or more serious. I find it insightful and a quick way to cover a lot of ground. It gets you in a creative mood too.

Career or Job

This is my favorite unless my date doesn’t have either, lol. I love talking about what I do for a living because I love what I do. If you get two people who love what they do, watch out. You may not need any more of these tips.

How They Spend Their Free Time and Weekends

Ask what your date likes to do when there are no demands. This helps you see what kind of pace and what is important. I always say what you are is usually made up on how you choose to spend your free time. Plus it will give you idea for future dates, if there will be any future dates.

Bonus flirty game: Write words on each other’s hands with your finger then try to guess what they wrote. This works when you’re at a movie or place you can’t talk. It can be romantic and funny. It’s only if everything else has gone well so far. It’s a good excuse to hold hands without actually holding hands, to see if you would like to.