Every day, we’re posed with questions like: How are you? What’s the weather like? Do you have dinner plans? The list could go on and on. However, when was the last time you engaged in truly deep, meaningful conversation with someone you talk to every day?
To add meaning to everyday conversations, we asked our readers, “What’s one question you wish you could ask a loved one?” To our surprise, we received a number of thought-provoking questions sure to start a conversation.
Below, we outline five meaningful conversation starters (submitted by our readers) to add to your everyday discussions with friends, family members, colleagues, patients and more. We hope you find this exercise to be a rich and satisfying experience.
Busch Funeral and Crematory Services would like to thank everyone who submitted conversation starters.
1. What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that you still use today?
Seeking and giving advice are central to effective relationships. Is there an authoritative figure in your life that you turn to for advice? If so, who? If a particular person comes to mind when asking or answering this question, tell them.
A question like this helps us uncover invaluable lessons that we’ve learned from the people who matter most to us. It also gives us the opportunity to thank those who have challenged or inspired us along our life journey.
2. If you could be a certain age again, what age would you be and why?
Is there a specific age when you felt most alive? Perhaps you have fond memories of your teenage years. Or maybe, you feel most content at the age you are now.
Whatever age it may be, this question challenges us to reflect on our years and to have conversations about the ups and downs of life.
To help others relive these moments you share, take time to look through old photo albums and keepsakes. This can help others visualize the people and places in your stories.
3. What’s one thing you would change in our world today?
We all have a voice, and the opportunity to create change and inspire action. If there’s one thing you would change in this world, what would it be and why? Public education? World hunger?
This question forces you to think, and you may not have an answer right away and that’s okay. If you need some inspiration, think about momentous events in history.
This question allows you to have conversations about the world we live in today, and our role in shaping tomorrow.
4. Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Your upbringing is a remarkable piece of your life. The stories you have from each chapter unveil memorable moments that shaped you into the person you are today.
By asking this question, you get a sense for one’s childhood, and the experiences they value. Not to mention, a question like this breaks the ice into deeper, more meaningful conversations.
5. What’s your dream job?
From gold medalist to space astronaut, it’s likely you had a dream job in mind when you were a child.
While your aspirations may have shifted with time, it’s important to have conversations about each other’s life goals and dreams. This can open the door to conversations about bucket lists. Who knows, you may inspire others to write their own list, or cross off a similar item together.
Make the most of your everyday discussions with these meaningful conversation starters.
Uncover Even More Conversation Starters
The questions above are just a start to inspire meaningful conversations in your everyday life. In our complimentary guide, “Busch’s Essential Guide to Meaningful Conversation,” you’ll get access to 25+ conversation-starting questions and tips for in-depth discussions with the people who matter most to you. Download your copy today.
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