45 Questions to Replace Small Talk

Small talk makes me uncomfortable. I think mostly because I know the other person is feeling uncomfortable which is why they are making small talk in the first place. They can't handle the stillness of air. I can. It shows the measure of a human, I think, to be able to sit in silence next to someone and be ok in it. And I don't mean that as a brag. It's a different kind of bonding.

If we are going to visit bring it on, but let it have some weight to it, not cloud-riddled floofiness like chatting about the weather.

To strike up a more meaningful kind of conversation I've discovered some icebreakers that carry some substance with them and nurture a bit of a connection, but some are also lighthearted and fun;

*Some of the questions might require you to read the room or match a vibe so keep that in mind...

1. What was one moment that made you really happy this week?
2. What is the biggest challenge in your life right now?
3. What is the most interesting thing you've read or seen lately?
4. What's a skill you've always wanted to learn?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
6. If you could have any job in the world and make a decent living at it what would it be?
7. What is a goal or passion in your life?
8. What is your favorite possession you own?
9. What is the best advice you've ever received?
10. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?
11. What is a hidden talent you have?
12. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
13. Have you ever had an experience you can't explain?
14. What do you want to be remembered for?
15. What is something that always makes you smile?
16. What house chores do you dislike most?
17. Where do you feel most at peace and content?
18. How do you handle stress in the moment?
19. Who is someone who has had a positive impact on your life?
20. If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
21. What is the worst job you ever had?
22. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
23. What's your favorite board game?
24. Are you scared of dying?
25. Out of all the holidays, which one is your favorite?
26. What keeps you up at night?
27. What is the most trouble you remember getting into?
28. Who was the last person who made you cry and why?
29. When you're in a bad mood what pulls you out of it?
30. What is on your bucket list and what have you crossed off of it?
31. What do you like to do for fun/hobbies?
32. What is one thing you've always wanted to do? What keeps you from doing it?
33. What is something recent that you did for the first time?
34. If you lived your life on your terms rather than what others expect of you what would that look like?
35. What do you think would make you incredibly happy in your life?
36. What's your biggest pet peeve?
37. What are you afraid of?
38. What are some of your biggest hopes for your future?
39. What was your biggest childhood dream?
40. If you had to give a talk, what would it be about?
41. What is a nickname you have and how did you get it?
42. What's the best compliment you ever received?
43. What animal best represents your personality?
44. What is your favorite quote?
45. How do you unwind after a stressful day?

Enjoy the conversations! :)