Deep meaningful questions
272 Deep Questions to Ask: A Guy, Girl, Friend, or Anyone
272 Deep Questions to Ask: A Guy, Girl, Friend, or AnyoneBy Tchiki Davis, MA, PhD Want to get to know someone better? One way is to ask them deep questions. So here are some deep questions you can ask different people—people like your partner, friends, or whoever. *This page may include affiliate links; that means I earn from qualifying purchases of products. Maybe you're trying to get to know someone better. Maybe you're trying to make conversations more interesting. Or maybe, you just want to improve your communication skills by asking deep questions. In this article, we'll give you a bunch of questions to ask the different people in your life. We'll cover deep questions that you can ask a guy, a girl, your girlfriend, boyfriend or long-term partner, your friends, your best friend, and yourself. Before we dive in, we thought you might first be interested in our well-being quiz. Take our quiz to get your free well-being report and resources. And for our well-being entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants? You can download our Wellness Business Growth eBook to get expert tips, tools, and resources to make a bigger impact and grow your wellness business fast. Are You a Therapist, Coach, or Wellness Entrepreneur? Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How toGrow Your Wellness Business Exponentially! ✓ Save hundreds of hours of time ✓ Earn more $ faster What Are Deep Questions and Why Do They Matter?Communication may just be the backbone of healthy relationships. But communication is more than just a tool we use to explore ourselves. It can also be used to build closer bonds with others. One way we can do this is by asking deep questions—questions that lead others to self-disclose to us. This is how we get to know who the other person is for real. In perhaps one of the best-known studies on relationships, Art Aron showed that when two people asked each other increasingly deep questions over a 45-minute period, they felt closer than two people who had just engaged in chit-chat (Aron et al., 1997). Further research suggests that when others self-disclose personal information, we like them more (Sprecher, Treger, & Wondra, 2013). This may partially explain why deep questions increase closeness. Deep Questions to Ask SomeoneTo start increasing closeness (or just get to know someone), here are the questions you can ask anyone from Dr. Aron's study (Aron et al., 1997). They increase in intensity from the beginning to the end. Set I
Set II
Set III
More Deep Questions to Ask AnyoneIn addition to Aron's 36 questions for closeness, here are some more questions you can ask anyone.
Deep Questions to Ask a GirlYou can ask girls and guys many of the same deep questions (as listed above), but I thought it might be helpful to also provide some additional deep questions you might want to ask a girl or guy. So here are some extra questions you might want to ask a girl.
Video: How to Ask Better Questions (Tips for Guys)Deep Questions to Ask a GuyHere are some extra questions you might want to ask a guy:
Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner (Boyfriend or Girlfriend)When you're getting to know your relationship partner, there may be a number of questions to ask that can help you get closer to them and also understand them better. These questions may also help you determine whether they are a good fit for you in the long term.
A Few More Deep Questions Lists for Girls and GuysHere are a few other good lists of deep questions to get to know your romantic partner better: Deep Questions to Ask FriendsMaybe you're looking to get to know your friends better. Here are some questions that can help:
Deep Questions to Ask Your Best FriendSometimes there are those personal questions that you're just not comfortable asking anyone but your best friend. Here are a few of these extra-deep questions you might want to only ask your best closest friends:
Video: 40 Deep Questions To Ask If You Really Want To Get To Know SomeoneDeep Questions to Ask YourselfLast but not least, you may want to ask yourself some deep questions to better get to know yourself. By asking ourselves deep questions we can uncover thoughts and beliefs we didn't even realize we had. So check out these questions you can use to get to know yourself better.
More Articles to Help You Improve Your Social ConnectionsHere are some more articles that may help you build the skills that support healthy relationships and social bonds.
Final Thoughts on Deep Questions to AskAsking deep questions can be a great way to learn more about others, increase closeness between you, and have more interesting conversations. Hopefully, these lists of deep questions gave you a good place to start. Don't Forget to Grab Our Free eBook to Learn How toGrow Your Wellness Business Exponentially! References
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116 Deep Questions That Will Strengthen Your Connection
Too often we get swept up in the chaos and stress of everyday life. Many people get stuck in the monotony of work, eat, sleep and repeat. This routine can make it difficult to have an insightful conversation with your significant other.
Whether you and your love are sharing a quick meal or cuddling before bed, you can use that time to connect on a deeper level. It’s important to take advantage of the little moments throughout the day. We’ve put together a list of 116 deep questions that will spark fun and meaningful discussions.
Just download and print the questions. Then, put them in a jar or attach them with a ring. We’ve added blank pages so that you can write your own, too!
Deep Questions About Childhood
- What is your best childhood memory?
- What is your worst childhood memory?
- What was your biggest fear as a child?
- What was your favorite year of school?
- What was your favorite subject/class in school?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- What was your favorite game to play?
- What is the single most important thing you learned as a child?
- What is your most memorable family event?
- What do you admire most about your parents?
- What do you look forward to about being a parent?
- If you don’t want to be a parent, why?
- Do you want to live near or far from relatives?
- When your parents get old, how do you plan on taking care of them?
Deep Questions About Love
- When was the first time you said “I love you” to someone in your life other than family?
- When and where did you go on your first date ever?
- Do you remember our first date?
- Were you nervous during our first kiss?
- When did you know you loved me?
- What is your ideal night?
- What is your favorite thing about me?
- Do you believe in true love or love at first sight?
- Do you think people are made for each other?
- Where is the perfect honeymoon locale?
- Describe a fun date that only costs $20.
- Describe the most romantic date you can think of — spare no expense!
- If you were on a dating game show, what questions would you ask?
- What is your favorite memory with me?
- What do you look forward to experiencing with me?
- Would you rather a night in a fancy penthouse suite or a private beach house?
Deep Questions About Values
- Would you rather acquire material items or experiences?
- If it cost the same, would you live in a mansion or a mid-sized house with a lot of land?
- In what scenario, if any, is it okay to lie?
- When, if ever, is it okay to break the law?
- What is the most important lesson to teach a child?
- How often do you go out of your way to help someone?
- If you could pick a new “golden rule,” what would it be?
- What are important societal values? (ex. Democracy, fundamental rights, etc.)
- How have your values changed from ten years ago?
- What do you see as your best character trait?
- If you could change one thing about your character, what would it be?
- Would you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist?
- When were you the most disappointed in yourself?
- When were you the most proud of yourself?
- Generally speaking, do you like the way you look?
- If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would it be?
- Do you put as much effort and emphasis on inner beauty as outer beauty?
Deep Questions About Goals and Motivations
- Who in your family do you view as a role model?
- Are you inspired by any celebrities dead or alive?
- What thought or object gets you through the day?
- Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating?
- What inspires you to better yourself?
- What advice would you give to your children to stay determined?
- What is the best way to motivate each other?
- What is your greatest success to date?
- What do you hope to achieve in the short-term?
- What is your long-term goal?
- What is your biggest regret?
- What mistake did you learn the most from?
- What are you most ashamed of?
- Is failing less, equal or more important than succeeding?
Deep Questions About Relationships
- What do you look for in a friendship?
- What is/was your longest lasting friendship and how did it last so long?
- Do you think you can have multiple best friends or only one?
- Do you think your pet can also be your friend?
- Do you consider your parents as friends?
- Do you think opposite genders can maintain a friendship without developing a love interest?
- What is an unforgivable action?
- What is your advice for long-distance friendships?
- Do you have different advice for nearby relationships?
- In your opinion, can long-distance relationships survive?
- Do you think a couple should split costs?
- Do you think it’s better to save money or invest?
- How should household chores be divided?
- What do you look for in a significant other?
- What is the most important thing in a relationship? (e. g. trust, respect, etc.)
- How often should a couple argue or fight to maintain a healthy relationship?
Deep Questions About Life Events
- What was your best birthday?
- If you could only celebrate one holiday each year, what would it be?
- Do you prefer family events or alone time?
- Provided there is good weather, do you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities?
- What is your ideal wedding ceremony?
- Describe your perfect vacation.
- What is the best concert you’ve ever attended?
- What events are on your bucket list? (ex. Lollapalooza, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, etc.)
- When, where, and how long was the best road trip you’ve ever taken?
- Would you rather spend a week in New York City or Los Angeles?
- Have you ever been camping? What was your favorite part?
Deep Questions About Stress
- Is there anything that gives you overwhelming anxiety?
- How do you handle high-stress situations?
- What is the most stress-inducing thing that could happen at work?
- What helps you decompress?
- Is there a smell that instantly relaxes you?
- After a horrible day, would you prefer a nice dinner out or a cozy movie night?
- Are you terrified of anything fictional? For example, the supernatural or zombies.
- What is your biggest fear in life?
- Do you have any phobias?
- Do you have any irrational fears?
- What was the worst nightmare of your life?
- Do you like to pull scary pranks on people?
- What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
Deep Hypothetical Questions
- If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
- Do you think flying or mind reading is a more functional power?
- If you could have one human talent that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
- If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? (excluding more wishes)
- If you had the power to correct one problem in the world, what would you fix?
- Where would you go if you could teleport anywhere in the world?
- If you could be an animal for a week, what would you be?
- If you could be an object for a day, what would you be?
- What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
- If you could eat anything you wanted right now, what would you order?
- You’re going to outer space — what planet do you want to see?
- If the world ended tomorrow, what would you do on your last day?
- Would you rather go back in time to see the dinosaurs or jump forward a thousand years to see our futuristic society?
- If you could make one book or movie a reality, which would you choose?
- If you could be a character from a hit television show, who would you pick?
There’s no limit when it comes to deep questions to ask your partner. They will often lead to thought-provoking conversations that can tighten your bond. Spruce it up by trying to guess each other’s answers! Pair these conversation starters with a romantic gift or journal, so you can document any surprising things you find out about your partner.
You can also use games to understand your significant other more profoundly. By playing games such as “Desert Island” you might discover something new — learning the three things someone can’t live without is a window into their core personality.
No matter your relationship status, asking deep questions will help you strengthen your romance and companionship.
70 great relationship questions
Why do you need relationship questions?
Communication is the key in any relationship. You and your significant other should be able to share your past, present and future with each other.
Your conversation should be filled with your dreams and plans, as well as your fears and sad memories. Conversation is everything. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right words.
We've put together the top 70 relationship questions to get you and your partner into the conversation. Some of these conversations are deep and meaningful, some are serious and important, and some are just for fun.
We've also put together 10 relationship questions to ask a girl and 10 relationship questions to ask a guy.
📖 Contents:
- Tips for good relationship conversations
- Good relationship questions
- Deep relationship questions to ask your partner
- Funny relationship questions
- Serious relationship questions
- Relationship Questions to Ask a Guy
- Relationship questions to ask a girl
Tips for good relationship conversations
- Be honest: When talking, always be honest with your partner. There is nothing worse than cheating on the part of a girl and a guy.
- Listen: The best conversation is to listen carefully.
- Show respect: When speaking, you should always respect your partner's thoughts, dreams, experiences, as well as their fears, regrets, and nightmares. In a good relationship, respect is key.
Questions about good relationships
If you want to improve your relationships through deep and meaningful conversations, you need to come up with the right topics to talk about. The following 10 good relationship questions to ask are perfect for a great conversation between you and your partner. With these questions, you will have a chance to take your relationship to the next level. So, take your partner and check it out!
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1. What is your earliest memory of me?
By asking this question, you and your significant other will have the opportunity to talk about your first dates. Maybe it was love at first sight for your partner, or maybe it took a little longer before he was convinced.
2. What would your ideal romantic getaway be like?
Everyone loves to travel. And what could be better than talking about your dreams of a romantic getaway with a partner?
3. What do you want to achieve in your life?
This good relationship question is perfect to start a conversation about your future with your loved one. It is important to know the plans, dreams and wishes of your partner.
4. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Use this question to find out more about your partner's past. By asking this question, you can dive into a deep conversation about past experiences.
5. What do you like most about me?
This is a difficult question: does your partner love your looks more than your thoughts?
6. How did your last relationship end?
It is always useful to know how your partner's previous relationship ended. Yes, it can be painful to talk about past relationships, but it's important to avoid repeating mistakes.
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7. How did you grow up?
This question is for talking to your partner about your childhood experiences. It can be great to share stories about your families and childhood friends.
8. Have you ever been in love before me?
Another tricky question about your partner's past. This question can lead to a deep and meaningful conversation about love in general.
9. What do you hate in a relationship?
This general question about relationships can save you from making mistakes. Just remember the answer!
10. What is the story of your first kiss?
To be honest, most first kisses are awkward and weird. But in a relationship, you and your partner need to be open to each other and be able to talk about previous romantic experiences.
Deep Relationship Questions to Ask Your Partner
The following 10 relationship questions are ideal for deep conversation. These conversations are perfect for diving into meaningful discussions with your significant other. Check them out and start talking to your girlfriend or boyfriend!
👉 We offer you: 250+ questions to get to know someone
1. What was the worst day of your life and why?
Yes, it's not easy. But in a relationship, you have to be there for each other in good times and bad times. We guarantee that sharing your worst experiences with each other will bring you closer.
2. Do you believe in God?
There are many different religions in this world. Some take their beliefs very seriously, some take them less, and some don't believe at all. So, ask this question and get your partner's opinion.
3. Who is the most important person in your life?
Except for you, of course. Maybe the most important person for him is someone from his family? Or is it one of his friends? Ask a question and find out.
4. What do you think of the supernatural?
Opinions differ here. Some people believe in ghosts, haunted houses and witches, and there are people who only trust science. What type is your girlfriend or boyfriend?
5. Do you want to get married? If yes, then when?
Even if marriage is not as popular these days as it used to be, many couples still choose to get married. You should definitely discuss this topic with your partner to find out if you are on the same page.
👉 We offer you: The game "20 Questions" to start a conversation
6. If you could change something in me, what would it be?
Another difficult question. We doubt that there is even a correct answer here. If your partner really doesn't like this question, you might be better off skipping it.
7. When was the last time you cried and why?
Maybe because of terrible news, or trauma, or just because of a sad movie. Just ask a question and be prepared to hear a sad story.
8. How would you describe an ideal den?
We all want our partners to be happy all the time, right? Then step a step closer to make your loved one happy and test his or her dreams of the perfect day.
9. What can you not live without?
Yes, we are looking for a “thing”, not a person. If your partner says "you", it doesn't count.
10. If you could see the future, what would you like to see in 5 years?
This question is perfect for asking about your partner's dream of the future. Talking about dreams about the future is always a great way to dive into deep conversation. And who knows, maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend is dreaming about you?
Funny relationship questions
Do you and your partner like to make each other laugh? Then the following 10 fun relationship questions are for you. By telling each other your funniest and most embarrassing stories, fantasies and thoughts, you will laugh at your ass! Check them out!
We offer you: Questions to ask friends
1. What was your strangest dream about me?
Whether it was a normal dream or a waking dream, sometimes crazy thoughts come up. And who knows, maybe you starred in the craziest dream?
2.
What is the best joke you know?Clear the stage! Get ready to hear the best joke your partner has prepared. Advice. If this is a racist or sexist joke, run.
3. What is your wildest sexual fantasy?
It's getting hot now. If this is a really weird fantasy, try not to judge your partner.
4. What is your favorite drink?
After sharing your favorite drinks, you can also prepare and drink them right away. If you're lazy, you can of course just go to the next bar…
5. What was the funniest moment in your life?
Let's ask this question to be part of the most fun moment in your partner's life. Maybe you shouldn't laugh too hard if he/she is embarrassed/self.
6. What was your first impression of me?
In fact, first impressions are often funny. Maybe your boyfriend initially thought you were a complete bitch? Or maybe your girlfriend thought you were a mindless braggart? Share your thoughts!
🤓 We offer you: 250+ questions for a guy: Get to know him.
7. Who is the funniest person you know?
Maybe you? If you don't know this person, ask for the funniest story ever!
8. What's the funniest thing that happened on one of your dates?
During the date, the moment must have been unspeakably awkward, but that's how the best stories are made, right?
9. What is your most embarrassing sex story?
Everyone has at least one bad story in bed and you don't have to be ashamed. Dare to share your most embarrassing sex story with your partner and start laughing!
10. If I were an animal, what would I be?
There are many wonderful animals. But I hope he/she doesn't say that you will be a skunk. Or a cockroach.
Serious Relationship Questions
By answering the following 10 serious questions, you and your partner will have a chance to take your relationship to a whole new level. The following questions are about your thoughts about the past, present, and future. Take a look at them and enjoy great conversations with your significant other!
1. What do you think about love?
Everyone has their own opinion about love. Some believe in one great love while others want shorter relationships. Ask this question and dive into a serious discussion about love.
2. What do you value most in our relationship?
Respect that your partner is answering this serious question and perhaps add your answer to this question as well. This will make both of you happy!
📖 We offer you: Funny questions - Funny conversations - Interesting questions
3. Do you think it is possible to deceive someone?
This question may save you from unpleasant surprises in the future.
4. What is your opinion about the current political situation in our country?
Yes, it's not easy. But in a serious relationship, it is also important to exchange opinions about political views. It's definitely never too early for this conversation.
5. What is the worst thing that has ever happened in your past relationship?
We all have the baggage of past relationships with us. Whatever your partner tells you, try to be understanding. But take your time with your partner's answer if he/she doesn't want to answer this question.
6. Where do you want to live in the future?
This serious relationship question is important if you are thinking about the next step. Start talking and make sure you're on the same wavelength!
7. If we ever have children, which of us will stay at home?
Even if you don't think about your children right now, it's never too early to talk about such things.
8. When was the last time you were jealous?
Jealousy is a terrible feeling. While no one wants to be jealous, we will all be jealous someday. Tip: If your partner admits that he is often jealous, you should help him feel more secure in the relationship.
9. What are your goals for the future?
Have you finally found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Excellent! Then ask him or her that serious question to see if you are on the same page.
We offer you: Questions for a guy
10. Is there a question that you have never asked me, but always wanted to?
If so, now is the time to ask this question.
Important questions about relationships
There are some topics that are definitely worth discussing in a relationship. We've rounded up the 10 most important relationship questions to ask your partner right now. Check them out and dive into an important conversation with your partner!
1. How important is family to you?
Is there anything more important than family? In our opinion, no, but well, everyone has their own experience with the topic of the family. But be careful, this question could mean that you will be part of every family gathering from now on.
2. Have you ever cheated on someone?
If so, be sure to let your partner complete the story. Who knows, maybe there were good reasons for his behavior?
3. What would be your plans if we had financial problems?
No one can know what the future will bring. And, unfortunately, financial difficulties can hit anyone. It is best to develop an emergency plan with your partner now.
4. What can improve our relationship?
Behind any successful relationship is a lot of work and compromise.
5. How would you tell me if you were no longer happy in our relationship?
Even in the best of relationships, doubts sometimes arise. And the only thing that helps is to discuss your thoughts with a partner. Communication is the key.
👉 We offer you: 70 conversational beginners for couples
6. What would you call cheating?
For some, flirting is cheating, but for others, it's okay to kiss another person. At the beginning of any relationship, you should clarify what the word “treason” means to you.
7. Do you want children?
Even if you yourself do not want to have children, you should discuss this topic with your partner. It is very important to share your thoughts and plans for children with your partner.
8. What do you think of my family?
Even if you often get upset with your affectionate parents or annoying siblings, no one else is allowed to say anything against them. Of course not, this is your family. But in a successful relationship, your partner becomes part of your family, so you should also accept his/her opinions about your loved ones.
9. What do you think about polygamy?
There are many couples who define their relationship as polyamorous. Be sure to discuss this important relationship topic with your boyfriend or girlfriend.
10. What do you think is your worst habit?
Everyone has bad habits. But have you seen the worst of your partner yet?
Relationship Questions to Ask a Guy
Here we have compiled the top 10 relationship questions to ask a guy. These intimate questions are made for you to ask your boyfriend. Check out these 10 great conversation starters to deepen the relationship between you and the man you love!
🤓 We offer you: Over 200 questions for a girl: get to know her better
1.
If you think about your past love interests, do you have a special type? If yes, do I fit in?Everyone has their own type. But are you even his type? But don't be upset if you don't fit the categories of his past type. People change!
2. How would you feel if I made more money than you?
Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, some men are still afraid of successful women. You should clarify this at the beginning of the relationship.
3. Do you believe that love can last a lifetime?
Eternal love is usually the happy ending of fairy tales and romantic films. But is there true love in real life? And have you ever found true love?
4. What makes you truly happy in our relationship?
The answer to this question about relationships that a guy will ask is sure to surprise you. And hopefully it will make you happy too!
5. What do you think, what kind of grandfather would you be?
This question to ask your boyfriend is for dreamers. How will you two be grandparents? Share your thoughts and dreams for the future!
6. What do you think about feminism?
Yes, in fact, there are still men in this world who believe that women belong in the kitchen. Better make sure you don't catch any of these men.
7. What is your happiest childhood memory?
Talking about happy childhood memories is always a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level. If he can't think of something quickly, maybe fill it in with more information: he might start thinking about past birthdays, vacations, holidays, or his childhood friends.
We offer you: 250 Conversation starters
8. What do you think is more important: money or happiness.?
Is he more of a materialist or an idealist? And does he think money can buy happiness? Also share your opinion with a partner!
9. What do you think about voting in elections?
The right to vote is a privilege that our ancestors fought for. And in many other countries, this struggle is not yet over. For this reason, everyone should vote in elections. Make sure your partner always votes too.
10. Why do you love me?
The last relationship question to ask your boyfriend is not an easy one. Here you should give the chosen man time to think about it. But after he gives you all the reasons why he wants to spend the rest of your life with you, you will definitely feel higher than the moon. Enjoy it!
Relationship Questions to Ask a Girl
The following 10 relationship questions are perfect for you if you want to start a deep conversation with your girlfriend. These conversations are perfect for deepening your relationship.
1. Your dream job?
It's always nice to talk about dreams with your loved one. With this question, you can share your thoughts, plans and desires with each other. Try asking this question to your girlfriend and see what happens!
📖 We offer you: Questions to ask yourself | 100 questions
2.
Who was your first love? And what happened to him?Sometimes it can be painful to talk to a partner about past love affairs, but it is definitely liberating. Besides, the first infatuation happened a few decades ago and wasn't particularly serious anyway. So let your girlfriend talk about her first love experience and please don't laugh!
3. If you could be a man for one day, what would you do?
We bet it will be something dirty. After your answer, she will definitely ask you what you would do if you were a girl for a day. Get ready!
4. What do you remember about our first meeting?
The first impression is always special. Ask your girlfriend this question and find out what they thought when they first saw you!
5. What is your favorite scent?
What could be better than pleasant smells? Find out which scent your girlfriend likes the most, and who knows, maybe you'll find a perfume that smells exactly like that? When you wear it, she definitely can't take her hands off you.
6. Who is your best friend and what do you like about this person?
True friendship cannot be outweighed by money. Some have many friends, some have only a few, but very good friends. However, it says a lot about a girl, how she treats her friends.
7. What do you like to do on rainy days?
In our opinion, rainy days are best spent in bed. But maybe your girlfriend prefers hot cocoa and listening to the rain, or she might prefer watching a good movie, or she might go outside and dance in the rain. Ask this relationship question and find out!
📖 We offer you: How to start a conversation: 3 important tips
8. What do you think about wedding rings?
While for many wedding rings have great symbolic meaning, for others they are a relic of a bygone era. Ask your girlfriend this question to see what she thinks of engagement rings. Remember, this question can lead to a conversation about the future, marriage, and children. So ask this question only when you are ready.
9. Do you compare yourself to other girls? Why do you say that?
Comparing yourself to others is harmful, but unfortunately we all do it at some point. This question gives you an opportunity to boost your girlfriend's self-esteem.
10. If you have the opportunity to change something in yourself, what would you choose?
We all have little flaws that we would like to correct. Most of the time it's something that other people don't even notice. So, ask this question to your girlfriend to find out what she would like to change about herself.
Use these 10 deep questions to get to know the other person better
It's no secret that introverts hate talking without meaning. It's superficial, pointless and, frankly, a waste of time.
An introvert doesn't care what you think about the weather. They want to know more. They want to dive deep into your purpose, your values, and why you get up in the morning.
Research has shown that meaningful conversation is good for us. A recent study published in the Journal of Psychological Science involved college students wearing an electronically activated recorder with a microphone on their shirt collar that recorded 30-second snippets of conversations every 12.5 minutes for 4 days.
This created a "conversation diary". The researchers then reviewed the recordings and classified them as small talk or more meaningful conversations. They also looked at how happy each person is subjectively.
Results? The happiest person in the study had twice as many substantive conversations.
In The New York Times, lead researcher Matthias Mehl spoke about how introverted and extroverted people are social creatures who need to connect with others, and meaningful conversations are more unifying than meaningless ones.
So the question is, how can you skip small talk and design more meaningful conversations?
We have 10 questions you can ask someone that lead to deep conversations. Before we move on to these 10 questions, we need to understand three important principles.
1. Welcome to silence
We become uncomfortable when we experience silence. Even if we do listen and participate in the conversation, we feel the need to avoid silence at all costs.
However, silence makes us panic and fill the gap with empty words.
Instead of seeing silence as something bad, let it linger and let the conversation flow naturally.
The more silence, the more comfortable you will feel.
You can stop and think about what is actually said, give yourself time to come up with a complete answer.
2. Don't jump to conclusions
We are all guilty of this. When we listen to people, we draw preliminary conclusions in our head. We use our past experiences and stereotypes to better understand the situation. This is normal, but be careful.
Don't let your own brain's judgment cloud reality. If you're trying to figure out where it's coming from, don't try to change what they mean by saying things like "Oh, you mean you prefer to do it this way. "
Instead, ask questions such as "now wait, explain it to me again. How do you prefer to do it?"
3. Stop thinking about what you're going to say next
We hate silence, so most of us prepare what we're going to say when someone stops talking. But it makes us not listen to what someone else is saying.
But in this case, the conversation is going wrong, the thread is lost. The next time you find yourself preparing your response, just let it go and focus on what people are saying.
10 Questions to Ask for Deep Conversations
Now that we've covered these 3 important principles, here are 10 questions we can ask to start deep conversations.
1. What is your background?
This is a great starting question that can inspire a constructive response.
Some people will have an immediate, surprising answer to this question, which can lead you down many paths. Others need help. If someone can't answer a question, you can ask them additional questions: "What was your life up to now?".
2. What are you passionate about?
One of the fastest ways to talk about something interesting. The response of the person will usually be excited, you will see how they will be sprayed.
3. If I knew you well, what intriguing thing would I know about you?
An open question that allows a person to go as deep as they want. This can spark some genuine and deep conversations, so be prepared to listen, understand, and make others feel heard.
4. What in your life makes you feel most satisfied?
This is a question that makes people think about what really makes them feel happy. Great positive energy booster for any conversation.
People talk about things that make them feel good, so this can lead to deep conversations.
5. How would you describe yourself?
This question may not seem very special, but its ambiguous nature will reveal a lot about one's personality.
Why?
Because you can answer this question in different ways. People can talk about their personality, their work, their family.
Regardless of what they answer, in general their priorities in life will be shown.
6. Who is your hero?
This question says a lot about a person.
Some will talk about a family member, others will talk about an athlete or pop culture celebrity.
Dig deep and really find out why they chose them, for what merit. What traits of this person do they admire? You will learn a lot about your values. They usually mention traits or characteristics they aspire to have in themselves.
7. What is your dream job?
An ambiguous question that will reveal a lot. Some will talk about creative pursuits. Others will talk about jobs that make a lot of money.
And some who like to laugh and use their imagination will describe a job that doesn't exist, like "beer taster".
8. Have you read good books?
This is a great question and the answers will vary greatly.