7 revealing questions to ask on a first date

A first date shouldn't be a job interview, with one person grilling the other about their likes and dislikes, their family background, and their ideal relationship. Actually, that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

But if you're nervous about running out of things to say, or worried that you'll bore your date by making them give the same basic spiel they've given 100 times before, we've got you covered.

Business Insider checked out Quora, Reddit threads, and other resources for some creative first-date questions that will tell you something substantive about the person you're with.

Again, it's probably not a great idea to rattle off all these questions in quick succession. Instead, pick a few favorites and keep them handy for times when you want to liven up a first-date conversation. And be prepared to answer them yourself!

What does a typical day look like for you?

On her Science of People blog, behavioral investigator Vanessa Van Edwards says this question is a better alternative to "What do you do?" She writes:

"You can find out if they are an early riser, how they spend their free time and typically their job will come up as well. I have found that you don’t really need to ask about their career — it usually comes up naturally."

Have you ever doubted your career choice, and how did you deal with the doubt?

On Quora, Nic Nelson says this question can easily replace the standard, "Why did you choose your current career?" It'll likely yield a longer and more nuanced answer.

How did you and your best-friend meet, and how did they become your best friend?

That's a suggestion from Quora user Juvian Julian Hernandez. This question, he writes, is "intended to get your date thinking in terms of emotion and feeling — hopefully positive ones."

If I could talk to your friends, what is the most embarrassing story about you that they would tell me?

Over on Reddit, TryAgainMyFriend says someone once asked them this question on a date:

"It was a great conversation starter and we both had some good laughs. Also, it gets the embarrassing stories out of the way so if/when your friends try to embarrass you in front of your new SO, they can't because they've already heard the stories."

What do you have to apologize for most often?

"It's an interesting way of asking about their bad habits that affect other people," Conner Davis writes on Quora. "Chronically late? Forgets to flush? Never does dishes? All important things to know."

Alternatively, their answer could reveal what they're most insecure about — like if they always apologize for interrupting people because they feel like their opinion isn't valuable.

What's in your fridge at home right now?

"It's random, unexpected, and their answer will tell you a lot about them," Baboarelikeliu writes on Reddit.

Without telling me what it is, why is your favorite movie your favorite?

There's a pretty slim chance your date has already heard this clever question, from paytonfrost on Reddit, and it can turn into something of a game as they try to answer.

Still, paytonfrost notes at the bottom of his answer: "I've been told I'm a bit intimidating to date and a bit of a romantic."

7 revealing questions to ask on a first date

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