Few suggestions on how to break the ice and follow up
Let's say you meet someone(boy or a girl) who you like to talk to and you feel like the person does have the qualities that you're looking for and really want to break the ice. It's really difficult at first without finding the common ground. Lets say you were lucky/courageous enough to just say, 'HI' and start the conversation. Below are some of tips that might help to continue forward in these kind of situations:
So, if you meet someone you're interested in via an online medium or through social activities follow the KISS(Keep It Simple Stupid) principle.
If everything works out on the first meeting and some days of social chatting ask to go on a date with you. Again, follow the KISS principle. If it's a evening time go out for a walk, grab a drink, socialize.
If the first date works out great, step up the conversation a notch up and start using the FORD(Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) principle. Test the waters with various topics of interests, talk about stuff that you find passionate about (people usually gravitate to you if you speak passionately about something). Ask follow up questions with related subjects of his/her interest to find more room for conversation .
On the following date, take a notch up and go for an simple adventure that you both have an interest in. Like, walk down the beach, exploring the new bagel shop, museum visits, theater, movie, and so on)
If you guys happen to be dating again choose an activity or go to someplace else when you both haven't been. Explore and create as many memories as you can together. More memories/adventures with each other creates more bonding. Hence, a strong, happy and healthy relationship.