First Dates: Beyond Small Talk and Superpowers

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager were less than impressed by a Today segment that offered questionable dating advice to singles. They both agreed that a great conversation is crucial on a first date, rather than superficial small talk. Let’s delve deeper into their insights and explore the potential pitfalls of relying on generic questions.

The Pitfalls of Generic Questions:

During the segment, Kotb audibly sighed when looking over a list of first date questions recommended by Cosmopolitan. One such question was, “What’s something you want to learn?” Kotb found this question to be too much pressure, as most people are just trying to get through the first date. Bush Hager concurred, adding that people are often preoccupied with the demands of work and daily life. They both felt that these generic questions didn’t foster genuine and meaningful connections.

Authenticity and Commonality:

Kotb emphasized the importance of finding common ground with the other person. She believed that the purpose of a first date is to establish a sense of shared interests or experiences. Bush Hager echoed this sentiment, recalling her own first date with her husband, Henry Hager. They didn’t discuss superpowers or trivial matters; instead, they had a heartfelt conversation about Henry’s late father and his profound influence on him. Bush Hager cautioned against relying on forgettable small talk and emphasized the value of meaningful discussions.

The Role of Superpowers:

The segment’s question about superpowers drew laughter from Kotb and Bush Hager. They found it to be an odd and irrelevant question for a first date. Asking about superpowers detracts from the opportunity to truly get to know someone. As Bush Hager humorously remarked, she would rather go back in time to two minutes before the segment started. Instead of discussing superpowers, genuine conversations that leave a lasting impression are more likely to lead to a meaningful connection.

The Fallacy of Picky Eaters:

Another question that the co-hosts found perplexing was, “Are you a picky eater?” They questioned whether a man had written these questions, as it seemed trivial and unimportant. Kotb argued that being a picky eater shouldn’t be a deal-breaker and cited journalist and model Maria Shriver, who is a picky eater but still enjoys a successful personal and professional life. Bush Hager agreed, pointing out that some of the most adventurous and accomplished individuals she knows have simple food preferences.

Conclusion:

The Today segment’s list of first date questions failed to impress Kotb and Bush Hager, as they found them to be superficial and lacking in authenticity. They stressed the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations to establish a sense of commonality. Generic questions about superpowers and picky eating were dismissed as irrelevant distractions. Instead, the co-hosts advocated for genuine and heartfelt discussions that are more likely to leave a lasting impression. So, let’s move beyond small talk and focus on building connections based on shared values and experiences.