Discovering interesting conversation topics can be tough. It’s sometimes hard to keep a chat going after the first introduction. No worries! We’ve got you covered. Check out these 30 questions to ask when you meet someone new.
Some of these questions are light and casual, perfect for any situation. Others are more personal, meant for when you want to know someone better.
All-Purpose Questions
1. If you could travel to any country, which one would you go to?
Learning about someone’s travel interests can spark a whole other conversation about countries and the world. You can also find out if their travel interests align with yours and even learn about their ancestry or culture.
2. What is your favorite place to eat?
It’s a simple question, but one you should remember the answer to, especially if you ever plan on taking them there.
3. What annoys you the most?
It’s human nature to complain, so simply asking this question can get someone talking and venting about their frustrations.
4. Do you have any “hot takes”?
Most people have strong opinions or ‘hot takes’ on at least one important topic. When you ask for their opinion, they’ll typically expand and explain their point of view. Asking this question is a good way to get to know someone and reveal their different perspectives on important issues.
5. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
This question reveals what someone values and prioritizes. Perhaps they’ll use it to embark on a great journey, settle down and buy a beautiful house, or donate some to charity.
6. What’s something you want to try but haven’t yet?
This question reveals a person’s pie-in-the-sky dreams and aspirations. It could be a great experience for you both to pursue later.
7. What do you like most about yourself?
This question promotes self-reflection and self-appreciation, helping someone recognize their positive traits and feel good about themselves.
8. What is your least favorite chore?
Knowing a person’s least favorite chore tells you more than you might think, and it can give you an idea of what to expect if you get serious in the relationship.
9. What is your favorite music genre?
Everyone loves music and it’s a great conversation starter. You might discover that you share the same favorite band or enjoy going to the same shows.
10. What are your turn-offs in a potential partner?
This question reveals a little bit about someone’s romantic life in a subtle way. You may also learn about their wants and desires in a future relationship, which could be helpful if you want to go down that path.
11. Do you have a lucky number? If so, what’s the backstory?
This question can be inspiring, as everyone has a unique story. It’s always worth asking because people often have little details in life that hold a lot of meaning, and having a lucky number is a common one.
12. Which holiday do you like the most?
This question can tell you more about their personality and potentially reveal their religious beliefs. Perhaps you share a mutual passion for drinking hot chocolate by the Christmas tree or have other holiday traditions in common.
13. Do you have any pets?
This question can reveal if someone is fond of animals. People who have pets are often kind and patient, and may be more introverted, reflecting a certain personality type.
14. What is your dream job?
This question reveals someone’s aspirations and can tell you a lot about who they are and what they prioritize. When you get to hear about someone’s dreams, you can see the way they view life. Perhaps they already have their dream job, but in the realistic scope of life, they probably don’t.
15. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Learning about the type of media someone consumes is a great way to spark any kind of conversation because media is something anyone can talk about for an extended period of time. Some people get overly passionate about media, and this could be a great time to have a light-hearted argument over your favorite characters on a popular TV show.
This question reveals the kind of media someone consumes and can spark a conversation since it’s a topic that everyone has opinions on. Some people are extremely enthusiastic about their favorite characters on a popular TV show, making it a great opportunity to have a lighthearted argument.
Personal Questions
16. What is your family like?
Learning about their family can help you better understand who they are, and it could be helpful in the future, especially if you’re looking to get to know this person better.
17. What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
It’s a meaningful question because one’s childhood tells a lot about a person, and the memory they hold closest to themselves can be quite revealing.
18. Who do you look up to the most?
Whether it’s someone they’re close to or a celebrity, understanding the person they idolize can help you better understand them.
19. In what moments do you feel the most alive?
This question can help you discover what they love most and what is most important to them.
20. What is an irrational fear of yours?
To understand someone best is to understand what they are most afraid of. If they choose to tell you, it’s because they are opening up to you.
21. Is there any conspiracy theory you believe in?
Conspiracy theories, even the most outlandish ones, can be an interesting topic of discussion because they often require a certain level of faith and speculation.
22. What is your most toxic trait?
Asking about someone’s most toxic trait requires them to be honest and introspective. If someone is willing to be self-critical, it’s a sign of humility and honesty. Learning about someone’s negative traits upfront can also help you know what you’re getting into.
23. What is something you wish everyone could learn in life?
This open-ended question can invite philosophical thought and stimulate conversation, making it a great way to get to know someone on a deeper level.
24. What is your favorite thing to do alone?
Learning how someone spends their alone time can reveal a lot about their personality and help you understand their boundaries for personal space.
25. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
While this may not be the most positive conversation, it can help both of you open up. Being vulnerable about insecurities is a great way to get to know someone on a deeper level.
26. When you’re upset, do you prefer to be alone or with others?
Some people are snappy and lash out, so they choose to be alone. But some thrive off of social interaction when they are at their lowest. This is a great question to help you understand how to help them in the future.
Some people find comfort in being alone, while others prefer social interaction when they’re feeling down. Understanding how someone deals with emotions can help you support them in the future.
27. Do you believe in fate?
This question can reveal someone’s beliefs about the ideas of destiny, chance, and possibly even love at first sight. If someone doesn’t believe in these things, this question can help you understand their perspective.
28. What are you most grateful for in life?
This question can reveal someone’s priorities and what they hold closest to their heart, providing insight into their character. Answering this question can help you learn what is most important to them and deepen your understanding of their values.
29. Do you believe in an afterlife?
This question can reveal someone’s perspective on the world and their beliefs about religion without getting too specific. It’s a great conversation starter that can lead to deeper discussions about spirituality and the meaning of life.
30. What do you believe is the purpose of life?
This question is profound and can reveal someone’s philosophy on life, their beliefs, and their values. It may require some thought, but it’s a great way to start a deep and meaningful conversation.
Conversations can sometimes be challenging, but having a few random questions up your sleeve can make it easier to keep the conversation flowing. These questions can give you an advantage in any situation where things are a bit awkward or dry. You don’t have to ask anything super deep or serious, just questions that keep things interesting.
Remember to have fun! Meeting someone new is an exciting experience, and everyone has unique qualities that make them special. Take the time to get to know them and let them get to know you as well.
About the Author
