Foolproof and risky date conversation options

Want a little helping hand keeping conversation afloat on that first date? Here are five conversation topics that will almost always keep things moving when it comes to meeting someone for the first time.

Of course everyone's different, and it's important to react to things your date says by asking about them, but if you do come to a lull, perhaps one of these topics could help?

And for good measure, we've also included five topics that it's often a good idea to steer clear of on that first date!

Brothers and sisters  

Childhood is often a nice, safe conversation topic to talk about, and asking about siblings is likely to bring this up. It can also give you an insight into how your date defines themselves. We often talk about how our brothers and sisters are similar or different to us when we discuss them, and that in turn can show people a lot about who we are!

Even if your date doesn't have any brothers or sisters, hearing about what life was like for them growing up without siblings is likely to tell you a lot about their early experiences.

Film tastes

People can often find it a bit tricky to name a single favourite film, and may feel they've been put on the spot if you ask. So be more general if you bring up films. Most of us see several films a year even if we're not massive film buffs. Is your date a fan of comedy, drama, romance? Their tastes might say quite a lot about who they are – and you'll get the chance to talk about movies you've enjoyed, too.

Film is also a good excuse to talk about the possibility of a future date if things are going well – maybe a trip to the cinema can be arranged?

Holidays

Travel is a great conversation topic – holidays are often some of our most pleasant memories, and we enjoy talking about them. So where has your date been recently? Even if they've not had a holiday for some time, chances are they've been on one or two in their time and will be able to share the memories with you.

Food

We all have to eat, so food is another safe conversation topic most of the time! If you're eating out, this is bound to come up naturally, but it doesn't have to just be a topic for when you've gone for a meal, of course. Food can lead to some interesting revelations about your date: Perhaps they're a vegetarian, for example, or used to be some time ago? Perhaps they have a food they simply cannot eat – or eat every day!

Hobbies

Asking if someone has any hobbies can end up leading the conversation to any number of topics, opening up some great avenues, from music and film to sports or crafts. On top of that, hobbies are often really quite central to who we are.

And here are five topics it might be wise to put on ice for the time being when you're enjoying your first date with someone you don't know very well.  

Past relationships

Past relationships can often come up even at the first date stage, and if the topic arises naturally, this isn't always a bad thing. Asking direct questions about past relationships is generally a no-no at this stage, though. Both you and your date will want to feel like this is a fresh start, not overshadowed by relationships gone by, and even after time has passed, discussing past loves can be painful.

'Dry spells'

It's not necessarily polite to ask someone on a first date why they've ended up single – or when their last relationship ended. This can really make someone feel uncomfortable and like there's a 'correct' answer they should be able to give you. 

Politics

It's a classic topic that can cause controversy, so even if you have very strong views about something political (party politics or otherwise) it's probably best not to hold forth about it to a stranger early on – especially if it might end in heated debate!

Anything too deep

It's great to have deep conversations. But like a swimming pool, relationship conversation often works best if it begins in the 'shallow' end, then gradually becomes deeper as you get to know your other half. Talking philosophy could make the right person fall madly in love with you, but generally speaking if there are deep and meaningful things you want to talk about, it's sometimes best to save them for later on.

Your date's appearance

A short compliment is always a good idea. One or two remarks about a feature that's struck you are unlikely to go wrong. But don't talk too much about how your date looks, or it might make them start to feel a little uncomfortable!