12 Great Topics (and 5 to Avoid) on a First Date

Twelve conversation starters to ease first-date nerves, plus five topics worth saving for later to avoid awkward moments.

Cold hands, a racing heart, and a mind that suddenly goes blank the moment you sit down across from someone new — almost everyone knows that feeling on a first date. The odd thing is, most of that awkwardness has less to do with the other person and more to do with not knowing where to start the conversation. Having a few topics ready, along with specific questions to open them up, makes the conversation flow far more naturally than leaving everything to chance.

Topics that are easy to open with and easy to build on

Sometimes the best opening line is simply admitting you're nervous. Something as simple as "I'll be honest, I'm a little nervous, it's been a while since I've done this" tends to make both people laugh and instantly lowers the tension, mostly because the other person is almost certainly feeling the exact same thing.

• Where you grew up — questions about hometown and childhood usually open up small, charming stories, from regional food to old neighborhood memories.
• A trip you'll never forget — instead of asking "have you traveled much," try "what trip do you remember most, and why."
• Something on your bucket list — this reveals a surprising amount about someone's values, from climbing a mountain to learning an instrument.
• Your scariest experience — this question often leads to unexpectedly funny stories.
• A favorite food or drink — a light topic that naturally leads to planning a second date at a new spot.
• Something that made you laugh recently — how someone tells a funny story reveals a lot about whether your senses of humor match.
• Weekend hobbies — from reading to gaming to gardening, all good conversational material.
• Close friendships — asking about the people around someone shows what they value in relationships.
• Cooking stories — a signature dish, or one that's never turned out right, is always a fun topic.
• Childhood friendships — whether they're still in touch with old classmates, and how those bonds have held up.
• How you've changed over the years — compared to five or ten years ago, how has your personality or taste shifted.
• One small thing that made today feel special — this question keeps the date anchored in the present instead of only looking backward.

A quick tip: don't fire off questions like an interview. After the other person answers, share a related story of your own before moving on — that keeps the conversation feeling like a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided Q&A.

5 things worth setting aside

• Politics — strong opinions can easily spark heated debate on a first meeting; if the other person brings it up, a gentle redirect usually works fine.
• Religion — a deeply personal topic better suited for once you know each other better.
• Exes — bringing up a past relationship, whether to vent or compare, tends to make the other person uncomfortable.
• Income and finances — bragging or complaining both come across awkwardly, and can raise questions about motives.
• Deep emotional wounds — family struggles or major losses are better saved for once real trust has been built.

There's no perfect formula for a flawless date, but a little light preparation — a few topics in mind, an open mindset — always makes it easier for both people to feel at ease when meeting face-to-face for the first time.