No more awkward silences

Awkward silences are one of the worst things to happen on dates (other than calling them your ex's name, falling over, or saying something really stupid...!)

Whether the silence happens during the first or date or even worse after only a few weeks into dating, it's always a tense time trying to think of something to say quickly in an attempt to get the conversation flowing again. Here's a selection of conversation starters... just in case.

• What's your local like? Old man style pub or a trendy wine bar? Are there any interesting characters that go there – apart from you? - When you were little, what was your favourite food/toy/clothing? - What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday? - Tell me all about your last holiday... - If your house was on fire, what is the first thing you’d grab? - If you won the lottery, where would you travel to first? - What do you hate the most about dating? – always handy to know! - Have you read anything interesting lately? - What were you like as a teenager? - What was the first and last gig you went to? - If you were on Masterchef, what would your signature dish be? - What's the weirdest food you've ever eaten? - If you were on a quiz show, what would be your specialist subject be? - Children… what does your little one love? Frozen? Pepper Pig? Football? - What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Top tip: You can use some of these questions in your icebreaker email too.

All set and feeling prepared? Then find your next date on Northsound 1 Dating. Good luck!

• Dating