OKCupid's Best Questions For a First Date

Rich Santos, Marie Claire

I recently stumbled upon an interesting graphic in Newsweek highlighting a study from the dating site OKCupid, suggesting great questions for a first date.

The questions showed a high percentage of compatible people agreeing, which is why OKCupid uses the questions to match people up - the questions are "not too personal" but might lead to more personal discussion.

Here are a few of the questions:

Question #1: Do you like scary movies?
Of compatible respondents, 74% agreed they like scary movies

I am a scary movie geek and I get way too excited talking about them. I think it makes me look creepy - I should get geeked up about puppies instead (actually, that's kind of creepy too).

My favorite is the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. First dates including the words "chainsaw," and "massacre" in succession usually don't go too well. "Texas," however, is totally fine. It's polarizing: you either love or hate scary movies. And if I can connect with someone on the "chainsaw massacre" level without scaring them off, then we may have something.

People who like scary movies are also likely to agreed with the statement: "I enjoy pain in bed."

Just because I love scary movies doesn't mean I like pain or human suffering. The sensuality of scary movies appeals to me: the political undertone and pacing of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the sadness and romantic shroud of The Others. I love the suspense, surprise, and anticipation in horror films-and a great relationship (and great sex) are rife with suspense, surprise, and anticipation...not pain (at least in my opinion).

Question #2: Would it be fun to chuck it all and go live on a sailboat?
Of compatible respondents, 68% agreed they it would be fun to chuck it all and go live on a sailboat.

Um, no. I don't want to get rid of everything I've earned and isolate myself on a sailboat with no internet, no Ravens, no Chic Fil-A. Plus, people who think it would be fun to chuck it all and go live on a sailboat are likely to agree with the following statement: "I'd be comfortable being poor the rest of my life."

Am I missing something here? That would suck. Maybe I'm just not compatible with someone who wants to be poor, alone and on a sailboat.

Question #3: Do you believe in miracles?
Of compatible respondents, 73% agreed they believe in miracles.

Yes, I do believe in miracles - after all, I did actually find a way to graduate from high school and college.

Respondents who believe in miracles are likely to agree on: "Is there a God?"

What's the best question someone has asked you on a first date, and what's the best question you've ever asked on a first date?


Posted by Rich

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.