First dates can feel like you're walking a tightrope between exciting and awkward. Knowing how to steer a conversation is your safety net. Whether it's a casual coffee or a five-course dinner, the art of getting to know someone starts with just one thing: curiosity.

If you lead with curiosity, everything else becomes easy. After all, your mission isn't to impress them with your resume---it's to get to know them. Here's how to do it like a pro.

Step 1: Quick Introduction

Starting with a little light banter is totally fine. You don't have to come out swinging with deep philosophical questions.

• "How's your day been?"

• "This weather is wild, right?"

These quick openers break the ice and give you something to build on.

Pro Tip: It's fine to start with closed questions (yes/no), but always be ready to follow up with "why?" or "how so?" That's where the magic happens.

Step 2: Pick a Thread and Pull It

Good conversations aren't interviews. Think of them like pulling on threads---something interesting will unravel if you're patient.

If they mention a recent trip? Ask what the best part was. Mention a job? Ask what they love (or don't love) about it.

The goal? Keep curiosity leading the way.

Step 3: Use the F.O.R.D. Method

When in doubt, remember F.O.R.D.

• Family --- "I saw you have brothers---how many?"

• Occupation --- "You must have an awesome job. What is it?"

• Recreation --- "What do you do outside of work?"

• Dreams --- "If you could take a vacation anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?"

FORD is like the Swiss Army knife of first date conversations---it's reliable and versatile.

Now that you know how to move the conversation naturally---here are 50 conversation starters you can use. Treat these like jumping-off points. Start with one, use the techniques above, and let the conversation grow.

50 First Date Conversation Starters

1. How was your day?

2. What's something good that happened to you this week?

3. Have you picked up any new hobbies lately?

4. What's the best meal you've ever had?

5. Do you like your job? Why or why not?

6. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

7. What's the last movie you saw?

8. What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

9. Are you more of a morning person or a night owl?

10. Have you traveled much? Favorite destination?

11. What's a bucket list place you haven't visited yet?

12. Are you close with your family?

13. Do you have any siblings?

14. Who's the funniest person you know?

15. What's your go-to karaoke song?

16. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

17. What's your favorite TV show to binge?

18. Are you more of a beach or mountains person?

19. How do you usually spend your weekends?

20. Are you into any sports teams?

21. Do you follow AFL? Thoughts on the latest match?

22. What's your most controversial food opinion?

23. Coffee or tea?

24. Dogs or cats?

25. Have you ever tried something completely out of your comfort zone?

26. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn?

27. Do you enjoy cooking?

28. What's the worst job you ever had?

29. What's your dream job?

30. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between?

31. What's a guilty pleasure you're not actually guilty about?

32. Did you hear about [celebrity/news event]? What did you think?

33. What kind of music do you usually listen to?

34. What's the best concert you've ever been to?

35. Are you into podcasts? Any favorites?

36. What's a movie you've watched way too many times?

37. Do you believe in fate?

38. Are you a planner or more spontaneous?

39. If you could master one skill instantly, what would it be?

40. What's your favorite holiday tradition?

41. How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

42. Have you ever been to a festival?

43. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?

44. If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

45. What's something you're really proud of?

46. Have you ever had a really funny travel disaster?

47. Are you more into road trips or flying to destinations?

48. What's a movie or show you think everyone should watch?

49. If money wasn't an issue, what would you be doing?

50. What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?

Final Thought:

The secret to great first date conversations isn't a magic script. It's staying curious, being genuinely interested, and letting the conversation grow naturally. Use these 50 starters to light the spark---then follow the threads, dig deeper with F.O.R.D., and remember: you're not there to fill the silence---you're there to discover if there's someone worth making noise with.

Now get out there, and don't overthink it. You've got this.