It can be extremely difficult getting to know someone online; prior to your first date you’ll no doubt dance around one another making awkward small talk, hoping that the other will come up with a really good topic for conversation. Asking questions is one of the best ways to find out more about your matches and potential partners – and the more random, the better the insight you’re likely to get. While it can be tempting to stick to questions about careers, aspirations, and dating intentions, there are so many other enquiries you could be making. Are you still stuck for inspiration? Here are just four of the best questions to get you going…
What were your best and worst dates?
Asking your online partner to describe their best and worst dates has a twofold advantage; not only will you get the opportunity to share jokes about tragic experiences on horrendous dates, but you’ll also gain a little insight into what the other person considers a good date to be. For example, has your partner just revealed that their worst date took place at an ice rink? That might be a location to avoid for your first meeting.
If money were no object, where would you travel?
People love spending imaginary pots of money, and so this query is likely to spark your online partner’s imagination like no other question can. Conversations about travel are enjoyable and enlightening, and will give you a really good idea of what kind of person you’re dealing with. Is this person a vibrant, city-loving extrovert, a free-spirited festivalgoer, or a comfort-seeking introvert? Do they share your passion for history, or put you off with their love of getting drunk by the pool? This one could be a game changer…
What is your earliest memory?
Questions about childhood can open large cans of worms. However, unless you ask you’ll never know if the other person has any skeletons in their closet, or enjoys only happy memories. Conversations revolving around childhoods can be a great way to get the other person to open up, and you’ll no doubt be able to share some wonderful nostalgic memories focusing on television programmes, toys, and games that you both adored.
Have you ever dated a person your friends hated?
This is another telling question for potential partners, since friends usually know who’s perfect for us before we do. Has your match ever dated someone that his or her friends disliked from the get-go? What was it about them that their friends hated so much? Again, this question has a twofold purpose; you’ll be able to get an idea of the qualities that they’re subconsciously looking for in a mate, and discover what their friends consider perfect date material. Besides, if you find out what their friends are looking for you’ll know how to make a great first impression when you eventually meet.
Asking potential dates those burning questions can be great fun, but don’t forget you’ll have to reciprocate and answer their queries in turn. Have fun getting to know one another – how often will you get a chance like this to ask away?
