When I first started dating I’d go on first dates and when I got asked the question what are my hobbies I always froze. Like what did I really like to do apart from eating and binge-watching tv? Did hobbies have to be something that set me apart from the rest of the world? What if there was nothing that original about me that only I enjoyed doing alone was that okay. Was I super uncool for not having some interesting hobby?
At that time proper hobbies to me meant collecting stamps or something. I didn’t collect anything so did I not have a hobby? My time wasn’t spent making quilts, scarves, or solving some puzzles. Was I hobbyless (Apparently, that is a word)?
Answering what are your hobbies
Well, you don’t have to worry because I have been on around 50 dates since then and I can help you answer this question. A hobby can be anything honestly watching Netflix can be a hobby and that’s what most people end up saying. You could like going hiking, swimming, kickboxing or reading. Choose something that you can talk about so for example if you like watching Netflix you can discuss what you are watching now or what your favourite TV show is. This is a good starter of conversation and helps two people ease up to the harder conversation.
Finding out hobbies helps you plan what the next date can be or even the first date. If someone likes hiking you can go on a short hike on the first date. So use the information you get to plan for the future. It can also help you figure out what you have in common (not that I believe having something in common is important but it does get the conversation flowing).
Making yourself stand out
You can use your hobbies to make you stand out. I recently spoke to a guy on an app and he had in his profile that if an overwhelming amount of people like travelling it is not considered a hobby. This sparked the debate in my head is that even true? It got me looking up the definition of hobby and that is not true. A hobby is anything that you spend your extra time doing. So, think about it what do you spend your extra time doing and enjoy. It can be literally be anything from cooking to cleaning.
Later, during the debate, the guy explained that he likes to see hobbies as something that sets you apart and travelling doesn’t set you apart. I really beg to differ on that because not everyone likes travelling. I mean it isn’t common that people don’t like travel or travel but there are people who don’t. Travelling is also a privilege so no it is not necessary that is something everyone considers a hobby.
But the reason I bring this whole incident up is because, well it got me writing this blog and to show that what some people look for when they ask you the hobby question is what sets you apart (lol why is dating like giving an interview sometimes). Now, of course, that is not necessary. If someone is telling me a hobby that’s not what I am looking for but it was interesting to see this perspective.
Now I am here to save your butt so you don’t have to freeze on first dates like I did. Here are some hobby ideas you can mention. Some of them are ones that will you stand out since not everyone does those things and because they are different it can be a conversation starter.
Hobbies to mention on a first date
- Binge-watching tv
- Trying new restaurant
- Travelling (yes I will still mention that)
- Skiing ( insert any snow activity)
- Skating
- Hiking
- Collecting something
- Blogging
- Any sport
- Racing
- Vlogging
- Reading
- Cooking
- Dating (is it bad that dating has become a hobby for me lol)
- Any water sports here is the time to make yourself stand out (kayaking, jet skiing, canoeing, surfing)
- Couponing ( I wouldn’t mention this on a date but there are people who are obsessed with coupons)
- Kickboxing
- Dancing
- Sudoku
- Word Search
- Crossword
- Reading the newspaper (because no one does this I consider it can be a hobby)
- Shopping
- DIY projects
- Painting
- Redecorating ( I had a friend who moved her furniture every week)
- Gardening
- Cycling
- Volunteering
- Coaching
- Canva projects
- Shisha
- Going to bars
- Do you have a crazy passion for a certain food are you trying to find the best burger in town?
- Treetop trekking
- Putting make up on people
- Playing musical instrument
- Photography
- Photoshopping
Now dating is very similar to giving a job interview so you might be asked this question in an interview. They want to see how you fit with their team and what you do outside of work. Try to say something fun that will make you remembered but also something that shows you care about personal development without sounding two pretentious. To mix it up say something easygoing and something that shows you are working on your growth. You can do the same for a date.
I enjoy blogging because it helps me share my views and feelings with so many people. They can learn from me and I can learn from their perspective in the comment section. I also like kickboxing because it helps me relax after a long day of work.
If you say something different people stay interested and ask follow up questions.
You get my idea of what a hobby is right. Now you have things you can mention on your first date and get that conversation rolling.
Comment below and let us know what other questions you find difficult to answer on the first date.
