More ways to avoid that dreaded awkward silence on your dates
7. DON’T ACT LIKE YOU’RE AN HR OFFICER CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW
In general, asking individuals questions one after another doesn’t lead to fruitful communication since the other person begins to feel pressured. If you catch yourself doing this and notice it because a tense moment of quiet has begun to set in, go back to telling them something about yourself or asking them to elaborate on something they’ve previously said.
8. SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE PLACE YOU’RE AT
If you meet at a bar or restaurant, it should be simple to mention the setting if you run out of topics to discuss. If your date is taking place in a location you’ve always wanted to visit or that others have told you is well-known for its cocktails or BBQ burgers or something similar, bring it up in conversation.
9. DON’T WORRY THAT YOU’RE GOING TO SAY SOMETHING STUPID
Awkward silence results from not saying much or enough. Instead of overanalyzing and recognizing that some of your inquiries or assertions could be a touch foolish, you’re typically better off just talking. If they are the appropriate person for you, they will understand that you are a little uneasy and will be understanding.
10. ASK THEM QUESTIONS THAT YOU’RE LEGITIMATELY INTERESTED IN KNOWING THE ANSWERS TO
Even if it sounds a little strange, ask them about their childhood pets, where they went to school, what their favorite book is, etc. People can generally sense if you care about what you’re saying or not. Don’t engage in discussion only for its own sake. Make it interesting and something you enjoy doing.
11. DON’T FREAK OUT IF AWKWARD SILENCE DOES OCCUR
Who cares if there is a brief awkward silence? Instead of stressing out and focusing just on the individual, maintain your composure and glance about you. After all, that happens rather frequently, particularly when you don’t know the other person well. If things work out between you, you’ll be able to joke about it when it passes.
12. ACTUALLY LISTEN TO WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
The only thing you should be doing is listening to the other person, which is likely impossible if you’re in your brain thinking of something to say. If they ask you a question and you are unable to respond because you were too preoccupied overthinking the situation to hear it, the ensuing quiet will be uncomfortable. Breathe!
13. FLASH THEM A SMILE
Instead of dreading the moment, take advantage of a pause in conversation to flash them your pearly whites and let them know how much fun you’re having. Silence only becomes awkward when you start to judge it. The uneasiness could even be completely eliminated if this results in a fit of laughing.
