First dates can be truly hard. Especially if you’ve spent most of your life in a relationship and it’s been a long time since you’ve welcomed a new person into your life.
Trust me, it is normal to be terrified, confused and sometimes even anxious. You are about to meet someone new, a total stranger you don’t know if you’d immediately like, dislike or end up hating. Someone who might turn out to be the greatest psychopath or the biggest love of your life.
That is why it is truly important to let go of all the anxiety of leaving the perfect first impression and just be yourself. You need to meet this person and get to decide whether they will stay in your life or leave for good. You’re doing it for yourself. You are doing it because you believe in ‘happily ever after’.
Here are 8 questions you should always ask on your first date:
1. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
On your first date, ask them what makes them passionate about life. Learn about their interests, what they do in their free time, what they work for a living, what they dream of and more importantly try to notice what they value.
If you’re planning to date this person, these things are among the first pieces of information that will help you make a psychological profile about this person.
2. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A PARTNER?
Are they looking for a one-night fling, a short-term casual, open relationship or are they’re ready to commit to a serious and loving relationship?
It is important for you to know how much they’re ready to invest, but it is also important that you’re clear and honest about your intentions. At the end of the day, we all want our needs met and souls fulfilled.
3. WHAT ARE YOUR DEAL-BREAKERS?
Some would say that this is probably a bit too personal, but I personally believe that we shouldn’t waste our time waiting for the right moment. Find a way to work it through the conversation and ask about one of their deal-breakers. You need to know whether you’re on the same page or not.
4. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM LIFE?
Are they career-oriented? Does their hobby interfere with your passions? Are your values the same as theirs? Do you share the same interests? What are they looking for in a relationship?
This is one of the most important questions you have to ask your date. Again, it might sound like it is very early for this question, but then again, you need to know if you’re headed in the same direction. You need to know if you can really get together with this person.
5. WHAT DOES HAPPINESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
It’s simple. What makes them happy? What moves their heart? The answer to this seemingly simple and easy question can say more than any other statement.
6. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?
You may see yourself married with kids. But they may see themselves pursuing their dreams and following their career path. Don’t be too intrusive by asking them this exact question. You don’t want to be that forward on your first date. Instead, try to work it through the conversation and let them know all about your future dreams.
7. HAVE YOU EVER HAD A LONG A RELATIONSHIP?
This is a truly important piece of information. Discovering the past mistakes and love experiences of your potential partner. Is there anything more thought-provoking than this?
While it is essential for you to analyze them by discovering their past, it is also truly important to keep it subtle. If you feel like you’ve reached a certain level on your first date that allows you to go for this question, do it.
But, if you feel that everything still feels pretty awkward, wait for the second time around.
8. DO YOU HAVE A PET?
Let’s not forget that in the end, it’s still your first date. While it is important to really get to know this person up close and personal, it is also important that you keep things a bit lighter.
Ask them if they own a pet. After all, if you find out that you’re both animal lovers, your chances for a second date will significantly increase.
