5 questions to ask this week.
Most conversations are boring.
Here are 5 questions to spice up small talk this week:
How are you — really?
Inspired by a recent post by Anthony Coppedge, when someone responds “Good” or “Fine” when you ask them “How are you?” try asking again with, “But how are you really?” This serves an invitation for the responder to go beyond the generic, expected answer. It lets them know they can open up as truthfully and deeply as they want or need and opens the door to meaningful dialogue instead of mindless chitchat.
Did you have any dreams last night?
An innocent look into someone’s goofy subconscious never hurt anyone. This sets everyone up for a potentially amusing anecdote. If they didn’t dream the night before, ask them about the last dream they remember and share one of your own.
What’s your micro-win for the week so far?
A micro-win is a seemingly minuscule, but powerful accomplishment deserving of celebration. Whether it was getting through a load of laundry, taking a walk, or discovering a new series to indulge in, a micro-win can be any glimmer of delight you choose. Give it the gift of your attention, and celebrate the micro-wins of others.
What books, shows, or podcasts are you into right now?
This question opens up thousands of avenues for your conversation to go down. Even if you’re not into anything the responder brings to the table, seek to understand why it caught their interest with, “What is it about this [book, show, podcast] that is so gripping to you?”
What’s the rose, thorn, and bud of the day?
A great dinnertime question especially for kiddos, this is another way to ask about what went well that day (rose), what was challenging (thorn), and what they’re looking forward to (bud).