You don’t need big dreams to fuel good date chat—talking about small, upcoming joys (the “little 期待 s” of daily life) can fill the conversation with warmth and make you feel aligned. The trick is to keep it light, specific, and invite them to share their own.​If they mention “I’m picking up groceries after this,” don’t just say “Nice!” Try: “Oh, grocery runs can be low-key exciting—do you have a ‘treat yourself’ item you always grab, like a fancy chocolate or a new snack? I always add a jar of pickles even if I don’t need them.” Linking their routine errand to your tiny indulgence turns a boring task into a fun shared moment.​When they say “My friend’s coming over this weekend,” skip “That’ll be fun!” Try: “Hanging with friends is the best—do you guys have a go-to thing, like ordering pizza and watching old movies? My crew always ends up doing a trivia night that gets way too competitive.” Asking about their small weekend plan pulls out happy details and lets you bond over relatable friend rituals.​If they admit “I’m excited for my morning walk tomorrow,” don’t say “Cute!” Try: “I love looking forward to small morning things—do you have a favorite spot you walk past, like a bakery that smells good or a dog that always wags at you? I have a tree I check to see if the leaves are changing.” Focusing on the tiny joys in their routine shows you care about what makes their days bright.​Even about “I’m gonna rewatch my favorite show tonight,” dig into the positive: “Rewatching comfort shows is the best—do you have a ‘go-to episode’ you skip to when you need a pick-me-up? I always rewatch the Thanksgiving one from my favorite sitcom.” Sharing your own small joy invites them to lean into nostalgia and positivity with you.​The key: Tiny expectations aren’t about being overly optimistic—they’re about celebrating the little things. When you light up talking about your grocery-store treat or favorite walk spot, and ask about theirs, you’re saying “I find joy in the small stuff, and I want to hear about yours.” That kind of positivity is contagious—and makes them associate you with good vibes, which is perfect for wanting a second date.​