There is a lot of debate around what you can and cannot ask on a first date. Some people say you shouldn't go in too hard with the interrogation because it'll make your date think you're desperate. Others say the probing questions help you really learn about each other. Ultimately, it's hard to know what to do.
According to Erika Ettin, dating coach and founder of dating site A Little Nudge, it's best to keep things light the first time you meet someone.
"A lot of people love to compare their sob stories, like woe is me, tell me about your divorce, when was your last relationship," she told Business Insider. "Let's see if you like each other first... You want to learn who the other person is today. You can get to know them then learn more about the past."
On the other hand, if you date a lot, you might not want to re-hash the same questions over and over again. You might have run out of patience and want to know some quick-fire ways to see if someone has potential, without sending them running.
Scroll down for seven "awkward" first date questions you can ask to set up a slightly more interesting conversation — provided you ask them right — as well as three you should never ask, just so you're absolutely sure where to drawn the line.
SEE ALSO: The 13 biggest mistakes you're making on dating apps — and how to stop
1. DO ask: 'What are you looking for in a relationship?'
On a first date, this seems pretty obvious., but a surprising number of people are too timid to ask.
According to dating site eHarmony, it's important you determine whether your date is looking for someone to settle down with or a quick fling before you invest emotionally. At the same time, you should think about what you're looking for, otherwise you're just wasting each other's time.
2. DO ask: 'Am I what you expected from my profile?'
If you met on a dating app — which, to be honest, basically everyone does now — you will probably have analysed each other's profiles excessively.
Some people are transparent and you get exactly what you expected, but others come across completely differently on their profile than in person.
Sometimes it doesn't matter, and you feel a spark anyway. Other times, you can feel a little cheated, because you don't really know how to talk to the stranger you're sitting with.
But even if this happens, it doesn't have to be a waste of time. According to Elite Daily, it's a good way to get feedback. For example, you can be honest about the fact you didn't feel the chemistry, and you were misled by someone's profile. Even though you're saying no to a second date, you haven't wasted their time.
3. DO ask: 'What’s something I should know about you?'
This question can be quite a smart move, because it allows the other person to be as revealing or as reserved as they like. According to eHarmony, it potentially gives you a glimpse of who they really are.
In fact, during a first date, people may be more willing to be open about who they are, what they like, and if they have any unusual habits. You haven't invested in each other yet, and you have relatively little to lose.
"Use this to your advantage," eHarmony says. "Ask them to reveal something that they may not reveal otherwise.... It's better that you know these answers early on before you get too invested."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider