We all know the feeling of tightness when we are about to meet someone new. Our first thoughts may be something like: I am so glad to meet somebody, I can have a new friend!.. These thoughts are easily replaced by: But what am I going to say? Hello is not enough and asking about their favourite hobbies is so unoriginal...
I believe when I say that many of you find yourselves relatable to this, me included. Which is why I dug deeper into this issue and found some interesting ways to meet someone new.
To start off, the first impression you make is very important. You should be kind and open-minded so as not to make the other person think of you badly. You can achieve this good impression by asking about what they like and how they came to do the thing they like. This way, you may be able to find some topic you are both interested in.
If there is nothing the two of you have in common, this is the time to ask different, deeper questions, such as: 'What's the one thing that people misunderstand about you?' This type of question can tell a lot about the other person and you will be the one to know what not to think of them.
Another useful question to ask would be: 'What is your proudest accomplishment?' By asking this, you will make them think of everything they have accomplished and perhaps, they will not answer with only one accomplishment, but while thinking of it, they may come up with more answers. This will result in a long-going conversation and you will make another good impression of yourself.
'If you could choose one thing to do for a day, what would it be?' This is the question that, instead of their hobbies, tells you what they truly want and expect from life. When I put it into an example of someone who likes to draw, do you truly think they would choose to draw for a whole day, or would they do something they have not yet experienced, such as wandering through a country they haven't seen before? This is why I think this question might be the unique one for getting to know somebody.
To end a conversation with something not too deep, yet not too boring, asking about the most daring thing they have ever done is the perfect choice. With this question, they will think about the thing that gave them much of adrenaline, and with adrenaline there comes smile and happiness. When people feel happy and comfortable around you, it is the best first impression you could ever make. Little do you know, you might have done something even more daring and end up being the one to share your adventurous memories.
In the end, getting to know someone truly depends on the first impression you make, which is why you should at least consider asking some of these questions. When you ask them something personal with a way of showing you truly care, they will more likely become to trust you and be more open-minded around you. To keep the conversation from being too weird and personal, you can always start talking about the happy and adventorous events of life.