Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection
It's mandatory to have these conversations.
Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?
Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:
all stars lol GIF by LifetimeGiphy
1. What do you do for a living?
two women talking while looking at laptop computerPhoto by KOBU Agency on UnsplashWhat someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.
2. What's your favorite color?
OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color. You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!
3. Do you have any siblings?
shallow focus photography of two boys doing wacky facesPhoto by Austin Pacheco on UnsplashThis one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.
4. What's your favorite television show?
OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.
5. When is your birthday?
happy birthday balloons with happy birthday textPhoto by Morgan Lane on UnsplashYou can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.
6. What's your biggest goal in life?
If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch "Grey's Anatomy" on Netflix, you may want to move on.
7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?
itty-bitty living space." | The Genie shows Aladdin how… | Flickrwww.flickr.comThis is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.
8. What's your favorite childhood memory?
For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away. For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!
9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.
10. Are you a cat or a dog person?
shallow focus photography of dog and catPhoto by Anusha Barwa on UnsplashI mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.
11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?
Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage, but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?
12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
yellow Volkswagen van on roadPhoto by Dino Reichmuth on UnsplashEven homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list!
13. What is your ideal date night?
Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!
14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?
orange i have a crush on you neon light signagePhoto by Leonardo Sanches on UnsplashFor me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas. This is always a fun question to ask!
15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?
Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.
16. Do you have any tattoos?
5 Tattoos Artist That Will Make You Want A TattooThis can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!
17. Can you describe yourself in three words?
It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.
18. What makes you the most nervous in life?
woman biting pencil while sitting on chair in front of computer during daytimePhoto by JESHOOTS.COM on UnsplashThis question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.
19. What's the best gift you have ever received?
Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.
20. What do you do to relax/have fun?
Work hard, play hard, right?
21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?
a scrabbled wooden block spelling the word prizePhoto by Brett Jordan on UnsplashThis is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.
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