75+ Excellent Conversation Starters for Genuine Relationships

Growing up, the notes on my report card always went something like this: “Michelle is a great student, but she talks too much in class.”

My teachers weren’t wrong. I was a rule-abiding Honor Roll student who absolutely loved school. But I couldn’t shut up if I tried. 

Now I realize that it’s not the act of talking that thrills me – it’s relationship building. And it’s in deep, meaningful, even random conversation where genuine respect and love are gained.

But with all of the technology available to us – FaceTime, Instagram, texting, etc. – it’s becoming more challenging for us to connect on that deeper level. Which is why I’ve turned to conversation starters and think you should, too.

Whether you’re looking to strike up a meaningful conversation with a stranger, a colleague, or a loved one, scroll down. Below you’ll find 75+ excellent conversation starters for couples, kids, and even strangers.

Conversation Starters for Adults:

1. What’s your story?
2. Are there any causes you care about?
3. Any fun projects you’re working on right now?
4. What are you currently obsessing over?
5. If you could do anything, what would you do for work?
6. What brings you here today?
7. How’s your day/week/life been? (Get them to go beyond “good”.)
8. Are there any shows or movies you’ve seen lately that you love?
9. Tell me about your ring/bag/jacket.
10. I love your _____! I have it too. (Take the commonality and run with it!)

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Conversation Starters for Kids:

1. Who is your best friend and why?
2. If you could be an animal, which one would you be and why?
3. What is something you’re good at?
4. When you grow up, what do you want to be?
5. Share something you love about your family.
6. Do you have any pets? 
7. What are you thankful for?
8. What are you looking forward to this week/month/season/year?
9. Would you rather _____ or _____? (Make up a few variations!)
10. What’s your absolute favorite meal and why?

Conversation Starters for Work:

1. What do you do that’s not actually part of your job title?
2. Can I ask your advice about _____?
3. How did you end up at your job?
4. What project are you most proud to have worked on?
5. What are your favorite happy hour or lunch spots?
6. Do you have any vacations planned this year?
7. What do you do for fun?
8. What are some things you’d consider yourself loyal to?
9. Do you think technology has helped people connect, or do you think it’s pushed people apart?
10. What’s changed, for better or worse, since you started working here?

Conversation Starters for Couples:

1. What’s your ideal vacation look like?
2. What life experiences do you feel like you missed out on?
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
4. Do you have any irrational fears? What are they?
5. What are your favorite simple pleasures?
6. Is there anything about your life right now you’d like to change? If so, what?
7. What absolutely repulses you?
8. Describe your perfect life.
9. What area(s) of your life could you afford to simplify?
10. Name your top 5 personal values.
11. What’s your favorite romantic gesture?
12. What seemed normal in your family when you were a kid, but seems weird now?
13. Is there anything you’re self-conscious about? What is it?
14. What don’t you do anymore that you used to love?
15. What’s a question you wish people would ask more often?

Conversation Starters for Families:

1. What’s one thing you’d never eat? And the one thing you couldn’t live without eating?
2. What was the best part of your day?
3. What are three things you’re grateful for today?
4. What’s your least favorite chore and why?
5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
6. What makes you feel loved?
7. What’s one kind thing you did today? If nothing, what’s one kind thing you could do tomorrow?
8. What’s your favorite season and why?
9. What’s something you really want to accomplish this year?
10. What makes you feel happy?
11. If you could be the best in the world at something, what would it be and why?
12. Describe yourself in 5 words. 
13. What’s your favorite memory?
14. If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
15. What are you looking forward to doing most this week?

Conversation Starters for Friends and Family [Those Closest to You]:

1. What’s a controversial opinion you have but still stand by? (Confirm it’s a no judgement zone!)
2. What’s your biggest regret?
3. How do you view our relationship?
4. What do you think makes you a good person?
5. How can I be the best friend/sister/daughter I can to you?
6. What’s something not many people know about you?
7. What’s the best thing you cook or bake?
8. If I handed you $50 right now, what would you buy with it?
9. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
10. Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
11. What makes you weird?
12. Was the most recent book you’ve read good? What was it about? (PS: These self help books are awesome!)
13. What’s the best part of your daily routine?
14. What did you aspire to be when you were a kid?
15. Share the best compliment you could ever receive and why?

At the end of the day, people love chatting about themselves. Any conversation starter is a good one if you get them to open the lines of communication.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my little lifestyle blog. Come back soon!