So you finally scored a date with a girl you like... Maybe she's a co-worker, a classmate or even someone you met online. Whomever she is, you probably want to know more about her. If you are looking to spark conversation, here are 10 questions to ask a woman on a first date to help you survive the night -- and do it successfully.
1. Do you drink coffee, tea or neither?
After the introduction and the awkward hug, this opening question should follow. If your date says neither, ask what her alternative would be. Maybe she's a juicer. You can break the ice easily by talking about beverages before you order.
2. What did you do last weekend?
Everyone feels nervous on the first date. Many guys don't know how to start a conversation when dating a girl for the first time. This question allows you to start a casual back-and-forth.
3. Where do you grow up, and what was your family like?
This has the potential to open several different channels of conversation. An innocent question like where she spent her childhood will help you gain some insight into her upbringing and family situation. Asking about her family lets you see if they are on good terms. How much time someone spends with their relatives can tell you a lot about them.
4. What do you do professionally?
5. What's your biggest passion in life?
Hearing about the person's future goals can give you an idea of how compatible you might be. If a girl responds with "I don't know", that might be a red flag that she is not passionate about anything. But you're likely to get valuable insight from the girl who shares her interests and dreams in her life -- this helps you understand her personality. Follow up with questions about why she become so passionate about this particular endeavor.
6. What's your favorite thing to do with a guy you like?
Pay attention to how your date answers this first date question, because it will help you in the future. Maybe she likes long walks on the beach, or she prefers hiking. Remember these things when you plan for your second date.
7. How do you like to spend vacations/weekends?
If a girl says that she works on her days off, she might be highly career oriented. If she spends her vacation with her family, she's family oriented. If she watches television and never leaves the house on weekends, you may have a couch potato on your hands. This question will let you gauge how similar you are.
8. Do you have any special place you like to visit regularly?
We all have go-to spots that keep luring us back -- whether they are funky restaurants, scenic hiking trails or relaxing local parks. Your date probably has a special place she visits frequently. Asking where your date likes to go will provide insight into her tastes and temperament. And hey, maybe you like going there, too!
9. Do you have any pets?
Pets may cost lots of time and money, but they love unconditionally. Someone with pets is empathetic and motherly. Pet owners are also compassionate, happy and friendly people. You'll get brownie points if you ask to see her pet’s photo. She definitely has several dozen on her phone.
10. What else do you want to know about me?
If it is the end of your first date, and you are ready to go home, this is the strongest way to end it. Give her a chance to ask whatever she may still be wondering.
Bonus question: Do you need a lift? Do you want me to drop you off at your place?
Understandably, girls do not always trust guys they meet online, so she not want you to know where she lives. That's realistic, so don't push. However, this question lets her know you care about her safety.