Friday, February 16, 2024
Last week we explored how connecting with others who share similar interests can help initiate friendships. If you want to review, you can find that article
HERE. Your task was to determine three activities you enjoy and figure out where you can do them locally. How did that go for you?
Today we’ll build on this idea, as just finding people who enjoy common activities isn’t enough. You also have to engage with them, and the easiest way to do that is to show a genuine interest in them and get curious. Even with good intentions, you may find yourself fumbling with what to say. If that's you, read on.
Preparing yourself with good questions in advance can help tremendously when you encounter someone who seems nice enough but you barely know.
Now you probably don’t want to read them verbatim while staring at your phone, but glancing at a list before the activity begins can be helpful. Plus, with practice they will become more natural. Learning to ask questions and exercise curiosity is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the more natural it becomes.
Your goal is to find out a bit about the person and what they enjoy, helping you connect at a deeper level. Here are some possible questions to use:
- Have you read any good books lately? Do you have a favorite author?
- Do you enjoy Mexican, Asian, or Italian (or insert your favorite) cuisine? What is your favorite restaurant for this type of food? Have you tried any new restaurants lately?
- Do you like to travel? What is the most interesting place you’ve been to? Where would you recommend going for a fun weekend get-away?
- What is the best movie you have seen recently and why did you enjoy it?
- What is on your life “bucket list”?
Friendships are built by people getting to know each other on deeper and deeper levels through shared experience and conversation. The above questions are designed to initiate connection; as the relationship develops, use the following to get to know each other further.
- Where do you go for fresh inspiration?
- What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
- What are you most grateful for in life?
- What is your faith background?
- What is your number one goal in life?
By participating in mutually enjoyable activities and engaging in ever more meaningful discussions, simple acquaintances can turn into life-long friendships.