Phone conversations are a staple of any budding relationship. They help bring two people who are virtual strangers closer together when time, distance and opportunity work to keep them from more personal engagements. Singles should focus on their phone game to make the most of the initial courtship. Those early phone conversations are a prime opportunity to ask some of the big questions that will give you an idea of who you’re talking to and what they have to offer.

Obviously, there are many different types of people and they are each after a unique set of requirements in a possible date. You know what you want – or we certainly hope you at least have an idea. That should give you some direction as to what questions you should ask on the phone that will give you the best look into the person you’re chatting with. In case you run out, here are ten killer phone questions that should help you fill out who it is you’re chatting with.

What did you or are you looking to study in school?
This should give you some insight into the interests and direction of the person you’re speaking with. Someone who loves the nine-to-five grind of office life will probably be very different than someone who spends their days painting. Have you thought about the kind of person that might suit you best?

What’s your family like?
This is purposely open-ended and encompasses a wide possibility of answers. It should be followed up with more pointed questions as you learn more about the family and life your chat friend has around them.

How do you see your life in ten years?
If you don’t have goals, it’s very hard to achieve anything. Plus, it’s important to have a shared vision if you’re going to commit time to anyone. Figure this out fast and your relationship will take a more productive course.

What are your thoughts on children?
For some, kids are a priority in life. For others, they’re an afterthought. No matter what your view or theirs happens to be, it’s one of those issues that can define a relationship.

What are you most proud of in your life?
This is a good question to see where someone’s values are. Hopefully you find some you share!

Which person has shaped who you’ve become the most?
You can learn a lot from knowing the types of people that impact a persons life and the type of person they admire.

Who is your best friend and what are they like?
Again, the people closest to us are the ones that will continue to shape our futures. The best friend of someone you become romantically involved with will play a huge roll in whatever is to come between you and your new mate.

What are your thoughts on marriage?
Get a gauge on how they feel about “the institution.”

What do you do in your spare time?
This is an obvious one but necessary to figure out what type of life a person leads, what gets them out of bed on weekends and what you might expect to be doing with them when you share some free time.

What is love to you?
This is the mother of all questions. Do you share the same ideals? Is it important? Find out what love is to them and hopefully you’ll see an image of yourself reflected back to you in their words.

10 killer phone questions will lead you to a number of answers. Use them to guide you and your relationship through those chaotic first phone dates and you’ll be much better prepared to answer the question of whether or not your new relationship is one worth pursuing!