WE all get nervous before going on a first date, after all, we want to make a good impression.
And there’s a lot of planning involved to make sure it goes well – from picking the perfect outfit to choosing the right activity or venue.
But relationship experts have now revealed that it’s the conversation that can actually make or break your chances of a second date.
With summer fast approaching, there has been much warmer weather, which has caused a surge in dating app activity.
So, in a bid to help first-date opportunities, professionals have revealed that there are six questions you should never ask when meeting someone for the first time.
Not only can they make your date feel awkward, but they can even cause you to get instantly ghosted.
Alexa Johnston, Sex and Relationship Expert at Just, Australia’s premier online adult product retailer, shared her list of questions that are guaranteed to get you dumped before you’ve even finished your first drink.
While these conversation killers might seem harmless, they send immediate red flags to your potential partner.
Alexa said: “First dates are already nerve-wracking enough without accidentally stepping on conversational landmines.
“What people frequently don’t realise is that certain questions, no matter how innocent they might seem to you, can instantly send your date running for the exit.”;
1. “How much money do you make?”;
Nothing kills romantic potential faster than bringing finances into the conversation too early.
According to the experts, this question makes you appear materialistic and calculating from the beginning.
Instead, Alexa suggests showing an interest in your date’s career by asking them what they enjoy about their job or what drew them to their field.
She explains that this shows genuine interest in their passions rather than their paycheck.
She said: “Asking about someone’s salary on a first date suggests you’re evaluating them based on their financial worth rather than their personality.
“It creates immediate discomfort and signals that you might be more interested in their bank account than who they are as a person.”;
2. “Why are you still single?”;
This might seem like an innocent question, but it carries a lot of baggage.
Alexa says it implies there must be something wrong with them for not being in a relationship.
Instead, try asking about their interests or what they enjoy doing in their free time, which gives insight into their life without judgment.
She says: “This question immediately puts your date on the defensive.
“It suggests they need to justify their relationship status, as if being single is a problem that needs explaining.
“It can make people feel like they’re being interrogated rather than engaged in pleasant conversation.”;
3. “Do you think I’m attractive compared to your ex?”;
Everyone has an ex, but bringing them up on a first date is risky territory – especially if you’re asking for comparisons.
The experts say this question is a guaranteed disaster and have urged people to keep conversations forward-looking rather than dragging past relationships into their fresh start.
Alexa warns: “This question is a triple threat – it shows insecurity, forces them to think about their ex during your date, and puts them in an impossible position.
“There’s literally no good answer to this question.
“Say yes, and they’re speaking ill of someone they once cared about. Say no, and they’ve just insulted you.”;
4. “When do you want to have children and how many?”;
While this is an important question to ask, it’s not something to bring up before you’ve even ordered dessert.
Family planning discussions are vital, but Alexa suggests saving them (and other deeper life goal discussions) for a little bit later.
A good time to start thinking about them is when you’ve established a connection and are actually dating consistently.
The expert points out: “This question signals you’re mentally fast-forwarding through dating straight to serious commitment.
“It creates immense pressure and can make your date feel like they’re being interviewed for a parenting position rather than getting to know you naturally.”;
5. “What’s your body count?”;
While you might be curious, asking this on a first date is a huge no-no.
Questions about sexual history this early often come across as judgmental, regardless of how they’re asked.
Instead, try focusing on building chemistry through shared interests and values rather than sexual scorekeeping.
Alexa explains: “This question immediately changes the tone from getting to know someone to scrutinising their past.
“It creates discomfort and suggests you’ll be judging them based on their answer.
“It can make people feel reduced to a number rather than seen as a complex individual.”;
6. “Have you had any work done?”;
This can be a tricky one to navigate at any time, but especially so on a first date.
Comments or questions about physical appearance beyond general compliments can quickly veer into offensive territory.
Alexa suggests sticking to genuine compliments without prying questions about how they achieved their look.
She says: “This question puts your date in an awkward position where they either have to admit to cosmetic procedures or feel like you’re scrutinising their appearance for ‘flaws’.
“Either way, it makes them self-conscious at a time when you should be helping them feel comfortable and appreciated.”;
