by Tam Frager

Created on: January 25, 2010

A first date is an opportunity to get to know someone new, to find out if this is someone you want to spend more time with. Unfortunately, both people on the date are often nervous, so it can be difficult to start a conversation that tells you more about someone than their opinion on the weather. Here are ten questions that can be used as conversation starters.

1. What do you like to do in your spare time?

This question tells you more about a person than the common, “What do you do for a living?” The things people choose to do in their spare time can show whether they're giving (volunteers), or adventurous (sky diving), or if they share some of your interests (going to concerts, riding bicycles, etc.). You can then ask more questions about their answer (How did they get started? What about it draws them to it? etc.).

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?

The answer to this question give insight into both who this person was as a child, and the things that are important now. Ask more questions to get them to expand on their answer so you get the whole story. You can also ask them if there is anything in their life today that gives them that same feeling.

3. Do you think it's possible for men and women to have platonic friendships?

Since this question only requires a yes or no answer, be sure to find out why they answer the way they do. If you two disagree on this, it can lead to a friendly debate on the subject. If you agree, you can discuss why some people share the opposite viewpoint.

4. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

This can bring back fun memories. If the answer is something realistic (as opposed to wanting to be a unicorn or firetruck), find out how long they held on to that dream. Most people don't end up in the careers they dreamed of as a child, if this is true for your date, find out if it's still something they think about doing.

5. What was your first job?

This can be a good question to follow up the previous question. Find out what your date liked about their first job, and what they didn't like. You can also ask if it had any bearing on career choices they made later in life.

6. What is your favorite way to spend time alone?

The answer to this question can give you insight into your date's personality and provide clues to your compatibility. Again, you should follow up with questions that tell you more about the answer. If your date likes to read, find out what books they like. If your date likes

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