Skip the “So, what do you do?” trap. Instead, ask something that lets them shine. Try: “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?” It opens the door to hobbies, podcasts, or a bizarre fact about octopuses. It’s low-pressure and instantly reveals what lights them up.
Another classic: “What’s your current obsession?” This is gold. People love talking about their passions, whether it’s sourdough starters, a niche video game, or a specific genre of French cinema. Watch their eyes literally get wider as they explain it. That’s the connection starting to spark.
