Some First Date Ice-Breakers

First dates are nerve-wracking. They require putting your best foot forward mentally, physically and emotionally. But sometimes they can make us feel inhibited and shy. We wonder what's appropriate to talk about, considering there is so much advice floating around about how to act and what to say. This can make conversation stilted and uncomfortable.

So what can you do to break out of the cycle of silence on a first date?

First, it's important not to take it so seriously. You are just two people meeting and seeing if there is a connection between you. Also, remember to keep an open mind. Perhaps I sound like a broken record on this particular point, but I think it's one of the first things we overlook when dating. We all have our lists, and we tend to discount people if we feel they don't meet all of our criteria. Instead, make a real effort to get to know the person sitting across from you.

Following are some questions to help break the ice if you find yourself searching for conversation starters on a first date:

What is the funniest movie you've ever seen?

What kinds of things make you really laugh?

What were you like as a kid?

What's the one thing you love to do more than anything else?

What was the best trip you've ever been on?

What do you usually do when you go out with friends?

How do you like to spend your weekends?

Steer clear of conversation about your ex or your desire to marry and have many children. This is a first date, and you don't want your date to jump to the wrong conclusion about who you are or how you'll be in a relationship. Coming on too strong or revealing too much too soon can make the date come to a screeching halt before you've even begun. The first date is an introduction so you can get to know each other.

Also, be careful of making extreme statements, like "I will never move away from New York" or "I always go jogging in the mornings". You don't want to close yourself off to new opportunities and communicate to your date that you're not willing to change your lifestyle or routine.

Most of all, keep it light and interesting, so you can really engage with each other without asking the traditional "what do you do?" questions. Remember, if you're having fun, your date will notice.