Introduction
Starting a conversation with a friend can be daunting. Whether you’re meeting up for the first time in months or just catching up after a long day, it can be hard to know where to begin. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get the conversation going and keep it flowing. Here are eight tips and tricks for starting a conversation with a friend.
Ask an Open-Ended Question about Something You Both Enjoy
One way to start a conversation with a friend is to ask an open-ended question about something you both enjoy. This could be anything from a hobby you share or a TV show you’ve been watching together. For example, you might ask, “What did you think of the latest episode of our favorite show?” or “What have you been working on lately with your photography?” Open-ended questions encourage your friend to give more than a yes or no answer, which can help keep the conversation going.
Research has shown that having meaningful conversations with friends can improve mental health and overall wellbeing. According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, engaging in meaningful conversations was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction. “Our findings suggest that meaningful conversations with close friends may be an important source of support and fulfillment,” said lead author Matthew Lapierre. Asking open-ended questions about topics you both enjoy can help foster meaningful conversations between friends.
Share a Funny Story or Joke
Another great way to start a conversation with a friend is to share a funny story or joke. This can be a great icebreaker and can help put your friend at ease. When telling a joke or story, it’s important to make sure it’s appropriate for the situation and your friend’s sense of humor. You don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. If you’re not sure what kind of joke or story to tell, try looking online for some inspiration.
Sharing a funny story or joke can also help foster connection and closeness between friends. A study published in the journal Humor found that people who shared humorous stories with their friends felt closer to them afterward. “The results of this study suggest that sharing humorous stories is an effective way to strengthen relationships with friends,” said lead author Yu Chen. So next time you’re trying to start a conversation with a friend, consider telling a funny story or joke to help break the ice.
Comment on Something Going on in Their Life
If you’re looking for a more meaningful way to start a conversation with a friend, consider commenting on something going on in their life. This could be anything from a recent accomplishment or a difficult situation they’re facing. For example, you might say, “I saw on Facebook that you got a new job. Congratulations! How are you liking it so far?” or “I heard you’re going through a tough time right now. Is there anything I can do to help?” Commenting on something going on in their life shows that you care and are interested in what’s happening in their world.
According to a study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, expressing interest in a friend’s thoughts and feelings can lead to more meaningful conversations. The study found that people who asked their friends open-ended questions about their thoughts and feelings reported higher levels of self-disclosure and connection with their friends. “These findings suggest that expressing interest in a friend’s thoughts and feelings can foster more meaningful conversations and deeper connections between friends,” said lead author Amanda Forest. So if you want to start a meaningful conversation with a friend, consider commenting on something going on in their life.
Talk About a Shared Experience
Talking about a shared experience is another great way to start a conversation with a friend. This could be anything from a trip you took together or a project you worked on together. For example, you might say, “Remember when we went camping last summer? That was so much fun! What was your favorite part?” or “It was great working on that project together. What did you learn from the experience?” Talking about a shared experience can help bring back fond memories and remind you both why you’re friends in the first place.
A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that talking about shared experiences can lead to stronger friendships. The study found that people who talked about shared experiences with their friends reported feeling closer to them afterward. “These findings suggest that talking about shared experiences is an effective way to strengthen relationships with friends,” said lead author Shira Gabriel. So if you’re looking for a way to start a conversation with a friend, consider talking about a shared experience.
Ask for Advice on Something
Asking for advice is another great way to start a conversation with a friend. This could be anything from career advice to relationship advice. For example, you might say, “I’m thinking about changing careers. Do you have any advice?” or “I’m not sure how to handle this situation with my partner. Do you have any advice?” Asking for advice shows that you value your friend’s opinion and trust their judgment.
Research has shown that asking for advice can help foster connection and closeness between friends. A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that people who asked their friends for advice felt closer to them afterward. “Our findings suggest that asking for advice is an effective way to strengthen relationships with friends,” said lead author Daniel Balliet. So if you’re looking for a way to start a conversation with a friend, consider asking for advice on something.
Bring Up a Current Event or News Topic
Bringing up a current event or news topic is another great way to start a conversation with a friend. This could be anything from a political issue to a celebrity scandal. For example, you might say, “Have you been following the presidential election? What do you think about the candidates?” or “Did you hear about the latest celebrity scandal? What do you make of it?” Talking about current events or news topics can help keep the conversation interesting and can help you learn more about each other’s perspectives.
Research has shown that discussing current events or news topics can lead to more meaningful conversations between friends. A study published in the journal Communication Research Reports found that people who discussed current events or news topics with their friends reported feeling closer to them afterward. “Our findings suggest that discussing current events or news topics is an effective way to foster meaningful conversations between friends,” said lead author Sarah Gomillion. So if you’re looking for a way to start a conversation with a friend, consider bringing up a current event or news topic.
Conclusion
Starting a conversation with a friend can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. From asking open-ended questions about something you both enjoy to bringing up a current event or news topic, there are plenty of ways to get the conversation going and keep it flowing. These tips and tricks can help you start a meaningful conversation with a friend and foster connection and closeness between you.
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