20 Ways To Break The Ice : Part Two
It’s one of the biggest first-date fears: “What if we don’t have anything to talk about?” To help ease any awkward, grasshopper-chirping silences, try one of these conversation-starters, courtesy of an array of experts—including dating coaches, relationship experts, and lots of real-world, smooth-talking single people.
Part two of our guide to the top 20 conversation ice breakers has those crucial tips numbered 11-20.
11.“Who in your family do you take after the most?” Whether it’s their mother, father, or great-aunt Louisa, you’ll learn something about their personality, as well as how close they are to their clan.
12. “What’s on your iPod these days?” Discover their musical tastes. And if your date doesn’t have an iPod by now? “Well, that’s a whole other topic for discussion,” suggests Theresa O’Rourke of New York City.
13. “You’ve got just 20 bucks to your name. How would you choose to spend it?” While this question may not be as fun to answer as “You’ve won the lottery—what would you buy?” it can provoke an interesting discussion about priorities.
14.“Are you a morning person or a night person?” A random, fun question like this shows you’re not all serious, all the time.
15. “What’s the last good movie you saw?” This can lead into new films you’re interested in seeing together—maybe on your next date, suggests Stephanie Whitehead.
16. “Leno or Letterman—or Jon Stewart?” Most people swear allegiance to one of these nighttime chatters—find out whom your date invites into their bedroom.
17. “Do you collect anything?” This one has a strange way of starting a conversation. Chances are, your date either has a collection to talk about with gusto—or will share a bad collecting experience from childhood that’ll get you both gabbing.
18. “Do you have any secrets? Are you willing to reveal one to me?” Even if the answer is that she (or he) is wearing red underwear, revealing a personal detail creates an immediate level of intimacy between two people—although it’s best to wait until you’ve both had a glass or two of wine, or at least until the dessert arrives, before you deliver this one, advises Tim Sanders.
19. “What’s your dream job?” Then follow up with a short description of your own once and future aspirations, advises Mira Kirshenbaum.
20. “Who do you admire these days?” Lance Armstrong? Neil Armstrong? Either way, the explanation will be very revealing, explains Patricia Madson, author of Improv Wisdom and a professor of drama at Stanford University.
About the Author
Kari Molvar is a writer in New York City.
Article Source: MSN.com