The other day, one of my sons was out on a date (a new frontier in parenting!) and asked me what to do if there was an awkward silence. “It’s okay to be quiet sometimes,” I reassured him. “But you can always have additional questions prepared if you need them.”
I was reminded of a funny episode of This American Life where people share the many questions they ask on a first date. Editor Emanuele Berry asks potential partners what they think of Beyoncé. “Because this question tells you how you feel about powerful black women.” Another woman challenges herself to name Tom Hanks’ favorite movie during a dinner date. She says this question acts as a low-stakes personality test.
On a more goofy note, this McSweeney Mid-term survey It made me laugh out loud. (#3.When the bartender came, did you raise your voice a little or just speak?) (#37. Did it take too long to go to the bathroom, or was it unusually fast?)
And when I saw “Love on the Spectrum,” tannerA man in his 20s from South Carolina asked his date a series of questions about animals. “Do you like lizards?” “Do you like snakes?” “Do you like turtles?” “Do you like frogs?” “Do you like toads?” “Do you like sharks?” “Do you like jellyfish?” “Do you like octopuses?” “Do you like squid?” “Do you like whales?” The sweetest.
Of course, I ended up telling my son about my recommendations. On first dates, I loved hearing about my favorite movies, my siblings’ birth order, and my irrational fears. Because these topics often lead to interesting stories. He took it all into account and returned home later that night with the news that everything was fine. 🙂
What questions do you ask on a first date? And what dating advice do you give your kids??
PS My sister’s great dating advice, 5 things that surprised me about divorce, and the sexiest podcast omggggg.
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
