הכרויות נשואים|זוגות

I am 28M and I match well on apps with solid texting chemistry beforehand. We share interests and the chats flow easily. But on actual first dates the conversation often slows down after the opening small talk. I ask about their job hobbies and plans yet responses can be short and they do not ask much back. It starts to feel one sided and I end up carrying most of the talk which leaves me drained.

I had a date recently that began with good energy and laughs but faded into awkward pauses after about forty minutes. I want to get better at this so I can relax and show my real personality instead of worrying about filling the silence.

What kinds of questions or approaches have worked for you to keep first dates natural and mutual? How do you handle moments when the energy drops without forcing things too much?