Top 5 (Best &Worst) First Date Conversations

Uncomfortable silences, awkward pauses. We've all been in those kinds of conversations. But they can be ten times worse when they happen on a first date!

So, how do you keep the conversation flowing? We asked Dan Abelon, co-founder and CEO of SpeedDate.com for his top five first date topics.

1. Future Goals and Dreams
Asking about future dreams and goals is a great way to get a conversation moving and at the same time uncover a great deal of information about potential compatibility. After discovering that his dream of working a hotdog stand in the winter to fund his surfing habits in the summer may in fact be extremely interesting– you may opt to immediately place him in the friendship (rather than relationship) category.

Related: How to Talk to Men (In a Way They Like!)

2. Pets
Pets and love of animals, in general, is another safe topic that has a dual compatibly component built into it. If you are the type to cart your Chihuahua around in your purse yet your new love interest “understands” where Michael Vick is coming from– chances are your relationship is doomed.

Related: Is It EVER OK To Date a Friend's Ex?

3. Travel
Unless reminiscing about past Spring Break conquests, travel is always a safe and interesting topic for a first date. Try to pick out little anecdotes that go along with a past journey that will further deepen the conversation-- like a fabulous restaurant you discovered by talking with the locals.

Related: Virginity is NOT Hot

4. Favorite Things
Favorite things such as actors, movies and music is always a sure bet. Remember to ask direct questions such as, “Who is your favorite actor?” rather than, “What actors do you like?” By narrowing it down, your date can focus in on some of the qualities that make his pick a favorite, giving you a bigger picture into his likes and dislikes.

Related: Is Playing Hard to Get a Turn ON or Turn OFF?

5. Hobbies
Hobbies and things you do in your spare time are great conversation starters and can really serve as an ice breaker, especially if your date shares some common interests.

And now that we know how to play it safe--we asked Dan for his top five taboo first date topics, conversations to avoid at all costs:

1. Kids
Unless it is known that both of you have kids, it is best to stay away from this topic altogether. First dates are more about getting to know the person sitting across the table, and bringing children into the mix too early instantly creates a “third-wheel” affect.

Related: 4 (Nice) Ways to Dump a Bad Date

2. The Day Job