Finding the right topic for a conversation isn’t always easy—especially when you’re talking to someone you don’t know well. But with a little effort, you can connect with anyone: a child or an adult, a close friend or someone of the opposite sex. We’ve put together a list of engaging conversation topics for all kinds of situations.
Fun Topics to Discuss with Friends
In a friendly group, conversations usually flow naturally—but sometimes they just don’t. When that happens, it’s great to have a few go-to ideas ready.
Little Secrets
Friends usually don’t mind sharing small secrets or personal quirks. Try asking:
- What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at school?
- What’s your weirdest habit?
- What’s your strangest guilty pleasure?
Personal and Heartfelt
With an old friend you’ve known for years, it’s easy to dive deeper. Here are some meaningful conversation starters:
- What moment in your life would you like to relive?
- When was the last time you felt truly happy?
- What did you dream about when you were ten? Did any of it come true?
Travel and Dreams
Many people love to talk about their travel plans and dream destinations. These questions work for anyone:
- What place would you love to show your friends?
- Where have you felt “at home” even though it was a new city?
- Do you have a “dream city”?
What If…
If you’ve run out of simple topics, you can switch to deeper, hypothetical ones. Ask things like:
- If you could live someone else’s life for 24 hours, whose would it be?
- If you had unlimited money for one project, what would you create?
- If you could spend a year on another planet, would you do it?
Conversation Starters for Couples
Don’t be afraid to bring up unusual topics, they can help you understand each other better.
Ask for Their Opinion
There are some questions worth discussing early in a relationship. They’ll help you understand if you’re on the same page:
- How do you feel about having friends of the opposite sex?
- What’s your opinion on traveling separately?
- Who do you think should be “in charge” in a family? Why?
Talk About Conflict
No couple can completely avoid arguments. The key is to understand what triggers them and how to reconnect afterward. Try asking:
- How can I support you when you’re angry or upset?
- What helps you calm down during an argument?
- What words or actions feel hurtful to you?
Feelings and Intimacy
It’s not always easy to talk about emotions, but some questions can bring you closer:
- When do you feel most loved?
- What words do you want to hear from me more often?
- How do you like to be cared for?
Talking About the Relationship
Getting closer means understanding what your partner truly wants from the relationship. Ask:
- What’s the hardest thing for you in relationships?
- What does a “healthy relationship” mean to you?
- Are there topics you wish we talked about more often?
Questions to Ask Kids
Young children usually open up easily, but teens can be trickier. Still, psychologists recommend talking to kids as equals and respecting their opinions.
Dreams and Future
The easiest way to start is by asking about their dreams and goals:
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- What would you like to learn to do?
- What invention would make the world a better place?
Imagination and Creativity
Kids imaginations are amazing, so go ahead and explore unusual ideas together:
- Why do you think people dream?
- Why don’t birds fall when they sit on power lines?
- If toys came alive at night, what would they talk about?
Feelings and Emotions
Talking about emotions helps children express themselves. You might ask:
- What cheers you up when you’re sad?
- What do you usually think about before falling asleep?
- How do you know when someone loves you?
Food, Taste, and Funny Preferences
Kids love talking about food—much more than most adults do! Try asking:
- What food could you eat every single day?
- Is there something you secretly don’t like but pretend to?
- What would you like to cook by yourself?
School and Friends
Simple, universal topics is school, friends, and hobbies—are always a win:
- What was the most interesting assignment at school today?
- What made you laugh today?
- What do you like doing during recess?
Going a Little Deeper
If your child trusts you, you can gently move to more personal topics:
- Is there something that’s been worrying you lately?
- What do you do when you feel scared?
- Is there a question you’ve wanted to ask adults for a long time?
Psychologist’s Tips for Comfortable Communication
If you ever feel like you’ve run out of things to talk about, try revisiting a previous topic, discussing something in your surroundings, or asking for their opinion on a recent event. And remember: silence isn’t awkward - it’s natural.
Here are a few more tips from psychologists to make conversations more meaningful and comfortable:
- Ask open-ended questions that start with “why” or “how”
- Practice active listening — show emotion, nod, ask follow-up questions.
- Avoid judgmental comments, especially when discussing personal matters. Your opinion might unintentionally hurt someone or shut down the conversation.
- Follow the 30/70 rule: talk 30% of the time, and listen 70%.
- Balance serious and lighthearted topics. A tense conversation can be draining, so keep things relaxed and natural.
Want to Remember All This?
Download the AskCloser app, which offers ready-made sets of questions for any situation. All topics are created with the help of professional psychologists, so you’ll easily find common ground with anyone.
