You are starting over and just getting back into the dating world. Meeting someone new for the first time after a long period of not dating can send shivers down your spine. You want to say the right thing and hope you don't come across as crazy or even speechless. Geez, you are thinking that you are over 40 and might freeze on a first date! Have some ideas in mind before going on your date. Don't script what you will say, but a general idea of first date conversation will help you be successful.
Musical Interests
Music is a wonderful topic and can be expanded upon. Most everyone likes music. Find out the genres your date likes. You can build on this by asking about specific bands, artists, songs and what interests them about each. I like to discuss interpretation of lyrics. That opens a broad line of communication.
Places Lived or Traveled
Discussing places you've lived or traveled to can be very interesting. You may find you've had similar experiences or vastly different experiences you can learn from. Ask details. Ask what they liked or disliked about places they've lived or traveled to. You can learn if they like cold or warm climates, a bustling city or simplistic country life or something in between.
Movies
Movies, old and new, can create a wealth of discussion from the type of movies each likes to specific actors. Maybe they prefer adventure or horror movies as opposed to romantic or comedy. This choice helps give an insight to the type of person your date is.
Pets
Ask if they have any pets. This gives a good idea of compatibility. If they hate cats and you have a dozen of them, you might have a problem. Their reaction will be quite telling. Some people can tolerate pets and there are those who cannot stand to be around them. Couples have broken up over issues such as this. Better to know early on.
Favorite Foods
Everyone eats so this topic can't go wrong. Discussing the many types of food can lead to knowing if they like to eat out or prefer to eat at home and also if they enjoy cooking. You may find your date is such a good cook they could be a chef or they don't know how to boil an egg.
Leisure Time
Asking about what they do in their leisure time can give you an idea if they are more the couch potato type or the more adventurous. You'll be able to gauge if your interests are similar enough should a relationship evolve. You'll also learn how interested they are in what you like to do and how they react to your choices.
Siblings
Asking about siblings shows an interest in family life, but doesn't get too personal. You'll learn if they have close family ties and experiences they have had with siblings. They may offer a glimpse into their childhood which can be fascinating.
Sports
Some people hate sports and some are fanatics. Again, this topic can offer a view of your compatibility level. A love for the same types of sports can draw people close together and certainly involve many interesting discussions.
Keep in mind that your date is likely nervous, too. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to perform that you can't enjoy getting to know your date. Keep things simple and real and your first date conversation will lead to a second date.
Musical Interests
Music is a wonderful topic and can be expanded upon. Most everyone likes music. Find out the genres your date likes. You can build on this by asking about specific bands, artists, songs and what interests them about each. I like to discuss interpretation of lyrics. That opens a broad line of communication.
Places Lived or Traveled
Discussing places you've lived or traveled to can be very interesting. You may find you've had similar experiences or vastly different experiences you can learn from. Ask details. Ask what they liked or disliked about places they've lived or traveled to. You can learn if they like cold or warm climates, a bustling city or simplistic country life or something in between.
Movies
Movies, old and new, can create a wealth of discussion from the type of movies each likes to specific actors. Maybe they prefer adventure or horror movies as opposed to romantic or comedy. This choice helps give an insight to the type of person your date is.
Pets
Ask if they have any pets. This gives a good idea of compatibility. If they hate cats and you have a dozen of them, you might have a problem. Their reaction will be quite telling. Some people can tolerate pets and there are those who cannot stand to be around them. Couples have broken up over issues such as this. Better to know early on.
Favorite Foods
Everyone eats so this topic can't go wrong. Discussing the many types of food can lead to knowing if they like to eat out or prefer to eat at home and also if they enjoy cooking. You may find your date is such a good cook they could be a chef or they don't know how to boil an egg.
Leisure Time
Asking about what they do in their leisure time can give you an idea if they are more the couch potato type or the more adventurous. You'll be able to gauge if your interests are similar enough should a relationship evolve. You'll also learn how interested they are in what you like to do and how they react to your choices.
Siblings
Asking about siblings shows an interest in family life, but doesn't get too personal. You'll learn if they have close family ties and experiences they have had with siblings. They may offer a glimpse into their childhood which can be fascinating.
Sports
Some people hate sports and some are fanatics. Again, this topic can offer a view of your compatibility level. A love for the same types of sports can draw people close together and certainly involve many interesting discussions.
Keep in mind that your date is likely nervous, too. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to perform that you can't enjoy getting to know your date. Keep things simple and real and your first date conversation will lead to a second date.