How to Start a Conversation with Someone You're Interested in but Who Isn't Your Friend Yet?
It's not always easy to find common ground for an engaging chat, especially online. But there are certain types of questions that are a fun way to engage someone when you're writing from your chat profile or a site for making friends.
What we write in the bios or descriptions of our online profiles is comparable to the first impression we'd make in person. Think back to a boring first date: there's a good chance the boredom simply came from no one bothering to ask anything more interesting than "...so, what do you do for work?".
When you're trying to engage someone in a chat conversation, try asking a question that grabs their attention, makes them curious and happy to reply, and sparks a conversation that hopefully leads to friendship and a meeting.
Forget the small talk, be a little bold and try to stand out: the other person will be more inclined to open up if you start the conversation in a sparkling way. Here are some tips to do just that:
Do You Know the Ultimate Irony of…?
If you know a funny but not too obvious joke, now's the time to bring it out and see if you share the same sense of humor with someone. If it works, this question almost guarantees a war of word plays and laughter. Starting with a laugh is a great way to break the ice!
What's Your 'Least Favorite' Zodiac Sign?
Everyone asks the standard question: "What's your zodiac sign?" Well, if you enjoy chatting about constellations and horoscopes, try this funny and much more original way to introduce the topic. After all, it's just another excuse to start discovering someone's character and personality!
"Tell Me What You Eat for Breakfast and I'll Tell You Your Zodiac Sign"
It's another way to get information about someone's sign (and thus their character), but with an extra layer of "I don't take myself too seriously." Two birds with one stone, or rather three: you'll learn more about the other person, start to understand their tastes, and show that you have a playful personality. All great starting points for a fun and pleasant conversation.
Start the Conversation with "What's Your Favorite Horror Movie?"
It's simple but effective in sparking conversation and giving you an easy transition to your movie tastes. Plus, it's more specific than just "what kind of movies do you like," so it's more likely to get a thoughtful and interested response.
Play the Nostalgia Card
Are you roughly the same age or from the same generation? Lean into that sense of belonging and ask "Which Little Women character were you?" or mention characters from a popular show, book, series, or video game from your childhood. Nostalgia is a powerful force that connects people.
"If Cinderella's Shoe Fit, Why Did It Fall Off?"
This is a fun way to highlight your playful yet detail-oriented personality, while also inviting a conversation about plot holes in classics. Definitely an original and unexpected line!
"How Is It Possible That Earth Is the Only Planet with Life?"
Fun and fascinating if you're into a bit of science, this question will spark a debate about the vastness of the universe and the possibility of alien life. Quite deep, it requires some effort (but also imagination and fantasy) from both sides. Recommended for the boldest.
"Tell Me the Worst Music You Love"
You might be surprised how many people open up about their guilty pleasures— a fun way to create intimacy without getting too personal or making the other person uncomfortable.
"What's the Terrible Joke That Always Makes You Laugh?"
Like wordplays, old and silly jokes are a guaranteed way to make new potential friends laugh and open the conversation with a little innocent confession. We've said it: laughter is a great first step to building a connection, but so is a brief moment of vulnerability.
Are You Ready to Start Conversations Differently Than Usual?