Interesting Things to Talk About: 50+ Conversation Starters

Conversations are the building blocks of relationships. They’re how we connect, learn, and share our world with others. But let’s face it, not all conversations are created equal. We’ve all been stuck in those awkward silences, desperately searching for something, anything, to say. The key is finding interesting things to talk about.

Meaningful conversations go beyond just exchanging pleasantries. They’re the kind that leave a lasting impression, fostering a deeper understanding of the person you’re talking to – and yourself. They can build bridges, spark ideas, and even change perspectives. They’re the bedrock of strong relationships, both personal and professional.

So, what makes a conversation truly engaging? It’s about exploring a range of subjects, from your own passions and interests to thought-provoking philosophical questions. It’s about finding common ground while also embracing different viewpoints. And it’s about tailoring your topics to the specific context and the person you’re talking to. What works with your best friend might not fly with your boss, and that’s okay.

This article is your guide to unlocking the art of meaningful conversation. We’ll delve into a variety of categories, offering conversation starters and practical tips to keep the discussion flowing. Whether you’re at a networking event, a family gathering, or just catching up with a friend, you’ll find the tools you need to initiate and participate in conversations that are both stimulating and rewarding.

Deep dives: Exploring life, ethics, and values

Want to get to know someone on a deeper level? Get past the small talk and ask questions about their life, their ethics, and what they value most.

Life’s big questions

Instead of sticking to the surface, try asking questions about dreams, aspirations, challenges, and accomplishments. These topics can reveal a person’s core values and create a stronger connection.

• Dreams and aspirations. What are your life goals? What is your biggest source of inspiration? Talking about long-term goals and personal ambitions can show you what a person truly cares about.
• Challenges and accomplishments. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from a mistake? Tell me about your proudest moments. Sharing struggles and successes can create vulnerability and a sense of connection.

Ethics and values

If you really want to dig deep, explore topics related to ethics and values. Delving into moral dilemmas and personal values can help you understand someone’s moral compass and what they truly believe in.

• Moral dilemmas. What are your thoughts on self-improvement? What do you admire most in people? Asking about ethical dilemmas can reveal how someone approaches complex situations and what principles guide their decisions.
• Personal values. What do you value most in a friendship? How important is family to you? Discussing core beliefs helps you understand what’s truly important to someone and what drives their actions.

These kinds of questions can spark really interesting and meaningful conversations and help you build stronger relationships with the people around you.

Connecting Through Relationships: Family, Love, and Friendships

There’s nothing more interesting than people, and talking about the relationships that shape us can be a surprisingly engaging way to get to know someone better. Be mindful of your audience and the setting; these topics are better suited for deeper conversations than casual water-cooler chats.

Family Dynamics

Family is where we often first learn about ourselves and the world. Discussions about family can reveal a lot about a person’s values and how they navigate life.

Childhood Memories

Sharing childhood memories is a fantastic way to understand someone’s upbringing and the dynamics within their family. You could ask questions like:

• “What is your favorite childhood memory?”
• “What was your biggest ambition as a child?”

Family Values

Delving into family traditions and values provides a window into a person’s cultural background and what they hold dear. Try sparking conversation with questions such as:

• “Who are your favorite family members, and why?”
• “How do you feel about your parents’ relationship? What have you learned from it?”

Love and Relationships

Exploring romantic relationships can be a fascinating journey into someone’s desires and vulnerabilities. Approach these topics with sensitivity and respect.

Relationship Goals

Discussing what someone looks for in a partner and their expectations for a relationship can foster deeper connections. Consider asking:

• “What qualities do you look for in a partner?”
• “Do you believe in soulmates? Why or why not?”

Past Experiences

While it’s best to steer clear of overly sensitive or painful topics, sharing insights from past relationships can be valuable. A question like, “What makes you fall in love with someone?” can be revealing, but remember to approach it with care and empathy.

Friendships

Our friendships reflect our values and the qualities we appreciate in others. Talking about friendships can be a lighthearted and engaging way to connect.

Qualities of a Good Friend

Discussing the characteristics that are valued in a friendship can strengthen bonds and reveal what’s important to someone. A simple question like, “What do you value most in a friendship?” can open up a meaningful conversation.

Shared Experiences

If you have mutual friends, talking about shared experiences and funny anecdotes can create a sense of camaraderie and strengthen your connection. A casual question like, “Do you know [common friend] well? What’s your favorite memory with them?” can be a great starting point.

Current events, social media, and the world around us

You can find endless fodder for interesting conversations in the world around you. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Engaging with current events

It can be fascinating to talk with friends and family members about the news and trends that are affecting your community. However, it’s important to be respectful of others’ opinions and beliefs when you’re discussing these topics.

You might ask:

• “What do you think about the local sports team’s chances this year?”
• “What do you think about the new policies our mayor is proposing?”

It’s important to proceed with caution when you’re discussing politics, though, because these conversations can quickly turn heated.

Social media impact

Social media has a huge impact on society and personal lives, so it can be a great topic to discuss with others. You might ask:

• “Which social media platforms do you use most often?”
• “What do you think are the positive and negative effects of social media?”

Exploring the world

Sharing travel stories and dream destinations can inspire wanderlust and create connections with others. You might ask:

• “What’s the most unforgettable experience you’ve had while traveling?”
• “Which place have you always wanted to visit?”

Cultural differences

Discussing cultural differences and perspectives can broaden horizons and foster understanding. You might ask:

• “Do you like living in this city? What do you think of the local cuisine?”
• “How is life here different from life in your hometown?”

The lighter side: Hobbies, interests, and fun facts

Sometimes, you just want to have a lighthearted conversation. Here’s how to get the ball rolling.

Personal interests

Asking about someone’s hobbies and favorite activities is a great way to discover common ground. It also tells you something about what they like to do and what’s important to them.

Hobbies and activities

Here are some questions you can ask to get the conversation started:

• What do you like to do in your free time?
• Do you have any hobbies?
• What are your favorite board games or video games?
• Are you involved in any sports?
• What kind of activities do you enjoy outdoors?

Entertainment preferences

Sharing your preferences for movies, music, and TV shows can lead to fun and engaging discussions. You might discover that you both love the same obscure band or that you both have a soft spot for cheesy rom-coms.

Here are some questions to get the conversation going:

• What is your favorite TV show?
• Which movies and actors do you like?
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• Have you read any good books lately?

Fun and quirky topics

If you really want to spice things up, try exploring some hypothetical scenarios or sharing embarrassing moments. These types of conversations can spark creativity, reveal a person’s sense of humor, and create a sense of relatability.

Hypothetical scenarios

Here are some questions that can help you explore hypothetical scenarios:

• If you were to have one superpower for a day, what would it be?
• If you could visit another planet, which would you like to visit?
• If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
• If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

Embarrassing moments

Sharing embarrassing moments (with appropriate boundaries!) can create a sense of relatability and laughter. We’ve all been there, and it’s comforting to know that we’re not alone in our awkwardness.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What’s the funniest prank you’ve ever pulled off or fallen for?
• What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you in public?
• What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done while trying to impress someone?

Talking to a crush: Approaching sensitive topics and building attraction

So, you want to take your conversations with your crush a little deeper? Here’s how to navigate those tricky waters without sinking the ship.

Initial contact and “get to know you” questions

Start light. You want safe, engaging starters that break the ice and help you find common ground. Think fun, not forensic.

Good examples:

• “What do you like to do on dates?”
• “What’s your favorite season and why?”

And don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed text. Sometimes, asking questions via text can feel less awkward than face-to-face.

Try these via text:

• “What are the things that irritate you?”
• “What are you passionate about?”

Moving toward deeper conversations

Once you’ve established a bit of rapport, you can gradually transition to more personal topics. The key word here is gradually. You’re building a connection, not interrogating a suspect.

Some questions that work well:

• “What’s your weirdest fear?”
• “What are your dreams?”

However, steer clear of overly sensitive subjects, especially early on. Past relationships, family drama, religion, and politics are generally best avoided until you’ve built a solid foundation of trust and comfort. You don’t want to accidentally step on a landmine before you’ve even started dating!

Flirting and teasing

A little flirting and teasing can be a great way to show your interest and create a playful dynamic. But remember, it’s crucial to be appropriate and mindful of boundaries. Make sure the other person is comfortable and enjoys the banter.

Ultimately, building attraction comes down to showing genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts and feelings. Active listening is key. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and really listen to what they have to say. People are drawn to those who make them feel heard and understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Closing

There are so many things you can talk about in a conversation: the meaning of life, weird facts, funny stories. It’s really just a matter of finding the right topic for the right person in the right situation.

But content isn’t everything. The way you listen is just as important as the things you say. Active listening and genuine interest are key to building real relationships. Ask open-ended questions and follow up on the answers to show that you’re truly engaged.

When you master the art of conversation, you’re not just improving your communication skills. You’re building deeper connections with the people around you and developing a better understanding of yourself and the world. Conversation is the foundation of human connection, and it’s a skill worth cultivating.

So, go out there and talk to people! Ask questions, listen carefully, and be present in the moment. You never know what interesting things you might discover.