65 Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met
Have you ever found yourself at a party or networking event, standing awkwardly and wondering what to say next?
It’s a common scenario. Meeting someone new and running out of things to talk about beyond the usual “What do you do?”
That's exactly why I put together this list of 65 questions to ask someone you just met.
These aren’t your typical small talk questions.
They’re designed to help you really connect with people, learn about their passions, and maybe even find some common ground.
So next time you’re in that awkward spot, you'll be armed with these conversation starters!
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65 Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met
Meeting someone new can sometimes be a bit awkward, especially when you run out of things to say. But don't worry!
Here's a handy list of questions that can help spark interesting conversations and help you get to know someone better.
Icebreaker Questions
Icebreakers are great for easing initial awkwardness and getting the conversation flowing. These questions are light, fun, and perfect for starting things off on the right foot.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Have you traveled anywhere interesting lately?
What kind of music do you enjoy?
Are you more of a morning person or a night owl?
Do you have any pets?
Personal Background Questions
Learning about someone's background can give you insight into who they are and what has shaped them. These questions focus on personal history and experiences.
Where did you grow up?
Do you have any siblings?
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Career and Education Questions
Understanding someone's career and educational background can reveal their passions and aspirations. These questions help you learn more about their professional life.
What do you do for a living?
How did you choose your career?
What was your major in college?
Do you enjoy what you do?
What’s the most interesting job you’ve ever had?
Hobbies and Interests Questions
Hobbies offer a glimpse into what someone enjoys outside of work. These questions can uncover shared interests and potential activities you might enjoy together.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Do you play any sports?
Are you into any particular TV shows or movies?
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what genres?
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?
Travel and Experience Questions
Travel stories are fantastic conversation starters. These questions can lead to fascinating discussions about different cultures, adventures, and memorable experiences.
What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?
Do you prefer beaches or mountains?
Have you ever lived in another country?
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Do you prefer solo travel or traveling with others?
Food and Drink Questions
Everyone loves talking about food! These questions are universally enjoyable and can lead to discovering shared culinary interests.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
Do you enjoy cooking?
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Are you a coffee or tea person?
Do you have a sweet tooth?
Opinion and Belief Questions
Diving into opinions and beliefs can foster meaningful connections. These questions encourage deeper conversations about values and perspectives.
What’s a cause you’re passionate about?
Do you believe in fate or free will?
What’s your stance on social media?
How do you stay informed about current events?
What’s your take on work-life balance?
Fun and Lighthearted Questions
Keeping conversations light and fun is important too. These questions are designed to add a little humor and enjoyment to your interaction.
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Do you have any hidden talents?
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for fun?
Do you have any funny or embarrassing stories?
Hypothetical and Future-Oriented Questions
Hypothetical questions can be entertaining and revealing. These questions prompt creative thinking and sharing future aspirations.
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d do?
What would you do if you had a day all to yourself?
If you could travel to any point in history, when would it be?
What are your goals for the next five years?
How do you envision your ideal future?
Relationship-Building Questions
Building deeper, more personal connections is often the goal of meeting someone new. These questions aim to uncover values, experiences, and relationship dynamics.
What qualities do you value most in friends?
Do you keep in touch with childhood friends?
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
How do you handle conflicts?
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Other Questions
What’s your favorite book of all time?
Do you play any musical instruments?
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What’s a skill you’d love to master?
Do you have a favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
What’s something you’re really passionate about?
What's the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
Do you enjoy any outdoor activities like hiking or camping?
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Have you ever had a memorable encounter with a celebrity?
What's a goal you're currently working towards?
Do you have a favorite way to unwind after a stressful day?
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Do you prefer books or movies, and why?
Closing Thoughts
Meeting someone new can always be a bit nerve-racking, but having a list of great questions can make it easier and more enjoyable.
By using these questions, you'll be able to spark interesting conversations and build meaningful connections. So next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to get to know someone, remember these questions and dive right in.
Building relationships is all about being curious and open, and these questions are a perfect starting point!