First dates are full of excitement, nerves and possibility. While a first date can feel like you’re getting ready to walk into a job interview, the best thing to do is relax and be yourself. The next time you find yourself stressing over making the best impression on your date, remember to keep calm and carry on. These conversation kickstarters will help to break the ice and keep dialogue flowing so you can have a fun time getting to know each other.

Where is your dream vacation?

Who doesn’t love to travel? This question can help you delve into their interests and you can learn what’s most exciting to them – do they fancy a camping adventure but you prefer a five star hotel? Maybe they have no desire to leave their hometown, which may be a good indicator of their ambition and desires. Whatever kind of trip your date describes, it promotes good back and forth between the two of you.

What are you most proud of?

Everyone likes to brag about their accomplishments a little bit! By finding out what is important to your date you’ll also get a good sense of what they value most. Their greatest accomplishment may have to do with their career or maybe they’re more passionate about a charity. It’s a great way to gauge if their passion level is compatible with yours.

What movie can you quote from beginning to end?

One of the easiest ways to bond with your date is through shared interests. This question goes deeper than just asking what movie is their favorite plus their answer will let you know if they have a goofy, nerdy, romantic, sappy, or dark side. Make sure to take a mental note and you can plan for a cute movie date in the future.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Ask about the little things that drive your date nuts. You’ll get good insight on their temperament and you’ll also be able to discover any bad habits that may prevent you from securing a second date.

What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done?

First dates can make any person feel shy and intimidated but this question a surefire way to break the ice. Reflecting  on a time when you were totally brazen can give you a huge boost of confidence. Plus, this is perfect to head start a lighthearted conversation and keep those awkward silences at bay.

What are some of your favorite TV shows?

This is a major indicator of your date’s interests. Are they a reality show junkie? Or are they more all about educational shows or the news? Maybe you’re looking for a fellow Game of Thrones addict or you prefer a partner who loves to binge watch The Office. Each of these different scenarios can mean different personality types.

Hopefully these questions will help steer the conversation in the right direction when getting to know someone new. Your date wants to get to know you too so don’t be hard on yourself if there happens to be a lull in the conversation.

Take it easy and remember, self confidence is sexy!