300+ Fun, Interesting Things To Talk About
We know how difficult social interaction can be. That's why we're going to give you some interesting things to talk about with coworkers and friends!
We’ve all been in one of those situations when we’ve been having a brief talk with a person and the conversation suddenly dies down and you’re both left wondering, “Ok, what do we talk about now?” That awkward silence is deafening, isn’t it? Don’t worry! We know how difficult social interaction can be. That’s why we’re going to give you some interesting things to talk about with coworkers and friends!
Maybe you’re looking for small talk topics for when you meet a person for the first time, or you’re seeing an acquaintance for the first time in a long time and don’t want to dive into a deep conversation right away (or at all). Maybe you’re looking for an interesting topic to bring up when you’re with friends or family. Whatever the reason, we’re here with a full list of fun and interesting things to talk about with a person, whether you’re close already or just getting to know them.
Topics to Talk About on a First Date
Are you anticipating a first date with a guy or a girl and don’t know what you should talk about? When you’re having a conversation with someone you just met or are just getting to know, it’s important to talk about a topic that you are comfortable talking about, as well as things they can participate in the conversation.
Remember: when talking with someone on a date, start a conversation by asking a question or telling them something about you. If you start talking about yourself or your opinions–that’s okay–but remember to ask them a question, in relation to the conversation, so that it can keep flowing naturally. For example, a great topic to start with is TV and movies. Tell them some of your favorite movies or what you’ve been watching lately, and ask them if they’ve seen them too as well as what they’ve been watching.
Small talk can be awkward and difficult to navigate, especially around new people. If you’re looking for a conversation topic or two while on a date with a guy or a girl, here’s a full list to help you out. These are the best topics to talk about if you want to know someone better:
Talents, Skills, and Hobbies
What are some fun things you like to do in your free time?
Are there hobbies you have always wanted to get into?
Do you volunteer or do charity work? What do you do?
Do you have any hidden talents?
Do you speak any other languages? Which ones?
What is the best way to start your morning?
Entertainment
What was your favorite show growing up?
What is the best musical you’ve ever watched?
Do you like watching TV?
What TV series have you been watching lately?
Is there a TV show you’ve watched more than once?
What was your favorite movie growing up?
What’s your favorite movie?
What is a movie you really want to see?
Would you like to see a play on Broadway?
What movie makes you laugh the hardest?
Music and Podcasts
Do you like going to concerts?
Who is your favorite music artist or band?
Who would you love to see live in concert?
Do you play any instruments? If so, how long have you been playing?
Are there any instruments you would love to learn?
Do you listen to podcasts?
Would you like to perform on stage?
What podcasts do you listen to?
If you were to start a podcast, what would you talk about?
Sports, Games, Active Life
Do you like to play or watch sports?
Which sports team is your favorite?
Do you go to the gym?
Have you taken a yoga or Pilates class?
Would you like to be a professional athlete?
Do you like to run?
Did you play any sports in school?
Do you play video games? If so, which game do you love to play?
What is your favorite board game?
What is your favorite card game?
What game would you like to get into?
Books
Do you like to read?
What are some of your favorite books?
What’s on your to-read list?
Would you like to write your own book someday?
Would you like to meet your favorite author?
Are there any books you’d recommend?
What is the last book you’ve read?
Fashion and Trends
Are you into fashion?
Do you like thrifting?
Have you kept up with the latest fashion or technology trends?
Did you ever go through an emo phase?
Art and Photography
Are you interested in photography?
Do you own any cameras?
Is there a camera you’re saving up to buy?
Do you like to paint or draw?
Do you like going to art museums?
Which museum is your favorite?
Travel and Living
Where have you traveled?
What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
Do you have any travel horror stories?
Have you visited any national parks?
Where do you live?
Do you live alone or with someone?
Did you move recently or have you lived in the same place your whole life?
Do you like where you live?
Is there anywhere you would love to live one day?
Beach or woods?
Mountains or the city?
Animals
Dogs or cats?
Do you have any pets?
What’s your favorite animal?
If you could own a wild animal, which animal would you own and why?
Family and Friends
Do you have any siblings?
Do you live close to your family?
How long have you known your best friend?
Where did you meet your best friend?
What are the things you and your best friend like to do together?
Work and School
What do you do for work?
Do you enjoy what you do for work?
Is it a “dream career” or is there something else you wish you were doing?
What are the people in your workplace like?
Did you go to college? If so, what did you study?
What subjects in school did you like the best?
Cars
Do you drive?
Do you have a favorite model of car?
Comedy
Any favorite comedians?
Know of any good jokes?
What was the last funny video you watched?
History
Are there any historical figures you admire? Who? Why?
What is the most interesting moment of history?
Do you believe dinosaurs existed?
Food
If you’re on a date at a restaurant, it’s so easy to bring up the food you’re eating or about to eat. It’s a good way to talk about any crazy food stories too!
What food are you allergic to?
What kind of food is your favorite?
Favorite thing to order when out at brunch?
Do you like to cook or bake? What’s your favorite thing to cook or bake?
What is something you want to learn how to cook or bake?
Have you ever taken or wanted to take a cooking class?
Favorite candy?
What kind of dessert do you prefer?
Favorite ice cream flavor?
What kind of milkshake do you prefer: chocolate or vanilla?
Have you ever snuck candy or food into a movie theater? If so, what’s the weirdest thing you’ve snuck in?
Which flavor of jam/jelly do you prefer: strawberry, grape, raspberry, or mixed berries?
Do you prefer ice cream in a cone or ice cream in a cup?
Do you prefer coffee or tea?
If you’re a coffee drinker, how do you take your coffee?
If you’re a tea drinker, how do you like your tea prepared?
Where is your favorite place to get coffee or tea?
Do you drink alcoholic beverages?
Which do you prefer: beer, wine, or hard liquor?
What’s your go-to drink at a bar?
Accomplishments/Goals
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Do you have any major life goals you want to accomplish?
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
What 3 things do you have on your bucket list?
What do you want to achieve this year?
Holidays
What’s your favorite holiday?
What is your favorite thing about this holiday?
Do you have any holiday traditions?
How do you like to spend your holidays?
News and Social Media
Are you on social media?
Have you ever thought about going off the grid?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen on Facebook?
What are some funny, random things you’ve seen on Twitter lately?
Do they keep up with pop culture and/or celebrity news?
Astrology and Astronomy
What’s your zodiac sign?
Do you know any interesting things about astrology and zodiac signs?
Have you ever seen a meteor shower?
What’s your moon sign?
What’s your rising sign?
What signs do you (think you) get along with?
Conspiracy Theories
Do you believe in aliens?
Do you think aliens are already here on earth?
Do you believe the government knows that aliens are here?
What do you think is in the Bermuda Triangle?
Superheroes / Villains / Superpowers
Marvel or DC?
Do you have a favorite superhero?
Do you have a favorite villain?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Habits / Pet Peeves
Do you have any pet peeves?
Do you have any bad habits?
Nature
Do you like camping?
Do you like hiking?
Have you ever gone on a wilderness retreat?
City or forest? Desert or mountains?
Summer or winter?
Fall or spring?
Planting and Gardening
Do you own any plants?
Have you ever owned a garden?
Have you ever wanted to own a garden?
Feelings
What makes you nervous?
What makes you angry?
Is there a lesson you’ve learned from a past relationship?
What odd thing fascinates you the most?
What makes you the happiest?
What do you fear the most about the future?
Random Questions
If you run out of things to talk about during a conversation, don’t worry! Random questions are a great way to get to know someone a little better!
What is your favorite color?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
If a genie granted you 3 wishes, what would you wish for?
Do you believe in ghosts?
What is something you want to do before you die?
If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
If you could be any person for a day, who would it be?
When is your birthday?
Describe your perfect day.
What is the last thing you Googled?
If you can remember, what is the scariest dream you’ve ever had?
Is there an event in history that fascinates you the most? What is it? Why?
What is your favorite way to waste time?
What are some fun or interesting facts you know?
Are there any facts that you found out and made you change the way you live?
Have you ever snuck out of the house to meet up with someone?
If you could describe yourself with 5 adjectives, what would they be?
If you could describe me with 5 adjectives, what would they be?
Have you ever stolen anything from a store?
What would you want your funeral to be like?
If your whole life was recorded, but you could only choose an hour of footage to watch, what scenes would you go back and watch?
How do you fight procrastination?
What is the most useful thing you own?
If money was no object, where would you live?
If you could drop everything and go on a road trip, where would you go?
If jobs had slogans, what would be some of them?
Has someone ever dared you to do something wild? If so, what was it?
If colors had a taste, what would each color taste like?
Talk about a common interest.
For example, let’s say you met this person at a concert. Talking about that band or music artist is a great conversation starter! This can easily and naturally flow into the question of “what other music do you listen to?”
Ask them a philosophical question.
Philosophical questions can tell you a lot about a person. Some of these questions might be a bit too deep and intense for a second or third date, but great for couples who have been together for a while and want to spark an interesting conversation over a meal. Some of these questions are more entertaining than anything else and make for great conversation starters, too!
Do you believe in the “law of attraction”?
Is there such a thing as true love?
Which is easier– to love or be loved?
Would you rather have a job you love that pays very little, or a job you hate that pays a great deal of money?
Do you believe in life outside our universe or on another planet?
What do you think is hidden in the oceans we have yet to discover?
Do you believe in mermaids?
Why do they nail down the lid of a coffin?
Do you think parallel universes exist?
Does the study of philosophy ever lead to answers or just to more questions?
If you knew you were going to die in 3 days, what would you spend your last moments doing?
Do you think it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?
Does jealousy have value in driving humans to improve themselves or is it a purely negative emotion?
Things to Talk About With Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend
If you’re in a relationship with someone, a great way to peel back the layers of who they are as a person is to ask questions and develop a deeper conversation about things that matter: love, work, relationships with friends and family. It’s important to know the person you’re dating, so here are some topics you could consider bringing up:
Dating
What was the best or worst thing that has happened to you on a date?
Do you feel comfortable around new people?
When was the last time you were in a serious relationship?
What would I never know, just by looking at you?
Talk about your ideal perfect day or a perfect date.
Share your favorite things about each other.
Talk about whether you believe in soulmates.
Talk about what qualities you both look for in a partner.
Past Relationships
If it’s comfortable for the two of you two to go into a meaningful conversation about love, then go for it. It’s a great way to fully understand one another as partners.
Family
Are you close with your family?
What do I need to know about your family traditions?
What do you feel like your parents could have done better when raising you?
Home
Where did your parents grow up?
Your favorite thing about the place you live in?
How do you spend your free time?
Entertainment
What is your favorite movie?
Are there any movies you plan on watching?
What is your favorite TV show?
What TV series have you been watching lately?
Is there a movie or TV show you’ve seen more than once?
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
What are 3 songs that MUST be on a road trip playlist?
How do you feel about roller coasters?
XBOX or PlayStation?
Tell them about your hidden talent (if you have one) or ask if they have one!
Things to Talk About With a Loved One
Maybe you’re sitting at the kitchen table with your parents or parental figures and you want to know more about them. Or maybe you’re at a family party with your cousins, aunts, and uncles. If you’re not entirely sure what to talk about and want to avoid touchy subjects (politics, religion, relationships), here are some topic suggestions. These should keep the conversation going:
Reminisce on childhood memories and good (and bad) times from the past.
This always makes for a good conversation!
Has there been an event in your life that has changed you for the better? What about for the worse?
Who is the nicest person you’ve ever met?
What is the most beautiful memory?
What was your most embarrassing moment?
What’s the most memorable vacation you’ve taken?
Talk to your parents or parental figures about their childhood!
What was your favorite place growing up?
What was your favorite childhood toy?
Are you still in touch with old friends from school?
What are 3 things you’ve learned from your parents?
What were your hobbies as kids? Do you still have those hobbies?
Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it?
Talk to your parents about how they met.
If it applies to you and your parents, this is a great conversation starter.
Ask them random questions.
What, do you think, are the best and worst things about being in a long-term relationship?
What makes you angry? Nervous? Sad?
What do you think people most often take for granted?
What is your favorite board game?
How many books have you read in your lifetime, ballpark figure?
What do you think is the biggest waste of money?
Would you rather travel by plane, train, or car?
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Which fictional character would you like to have as your best friend?
Things to Talk About With Kids
Having a conversation with a child can be quite challenging at times. Whether if you’re a teacher, a babysitter, or a mom, here are some conversation topics and interesting things to talk about with your kids:
Animals
Do you own any pets?
What is your favorite animal?
Can you make any animal noises?
Games
Do you like board or card games?
Do you play video games?
What’s your favorite game?
Favorites
What’s your favorite smell?
What’s your favorite candy?
What’s your favorite color?
What is your least favorite color?
Movies and TV
What’s your favorite TV show?
What’s your favorite movie?
Are you a Disney fan?
Who is your favorite Disney princess?
Are you a Marvel fan?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Food
What is your favorite food?
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream or milkshake?
Pick one: waffles, pancakes, or French toast?
What is your favorite dessert?
Would you rather eat ice cream, cake, or an ice cream cake?
Outdoor Activities
Are you a camper?
Do you enjoy hiking?
Do you like going to the beach?
When you go to the beach, do you prefer to swim in the ocean or play in the sand?
If you could spend a day at the beach or at an amusement park, which one would you choose?
Books
Do you like to read?
What’s your favorite book?
Trips
Have you ever been to the zoo or the aquarium?
Have you ever touched a starfish?
Have you ever seen a giraffe in real life?
Superheroes and Villains
Who, in real life, is your hero?
Do you have a favorite superhero?
Do you have a favorite villain?
Sports
Do you like to play sports?
Which sport is your favorite to play?
Do you like watching sports?
Music
What is your favorite song on the radio?
Can you play any instruments?
School
What is your favorite subject in school?
What is your least favorite subject in school?
Life
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Where do you want to live when you’re older?
What is your dream job?
Family and Friends
Do you have any siblings?
What is the best thing about your siblings?
What do you and your family like to do together?
What is your best friend’s name?
How long have you and your best friend known each other?
Holidays
What is your favorite holiday?
What is your favorite thing about this holiday?
What is the coolest Halloween costume?
Arts
Do you like to sing or act?
Have you ever been in a school musical or play, or would you want to be?
Do you like to paint or draw?
Birthdays
When is your birthday?
What are you asking for your birthday?
Would you rather have a cake or a large tray of cupcakes?
Seasons
What is your favorite season?
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?
What is your favorite thing to do during the winter?
Change
If you could change one thing about school, what would it be?
If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?
Comedy
What is the funniest joke you know?
What was the funniest video you’ve ever seen?
Ask about them!
How old are you?
What was the best part of your day?
What was the worst part of your day?
Things to Talk About With Friends
Sometimes we sit on the couch with our friends, on our phones and with the TV on as background noise, and that’s super comfortable for us and our friendship. This is only possible with certain friendships though! Sometimes we’re with friends we went to school with or that we work with, and we need to make conversation with one another instead of sitting on our phones.
Memories
A fun topic for a social gathering is reminiscing on the past (if it applies to your friend group). Hearing the gossip you never heard in middle school or high school or remembering old teachers and students or what that one memorable person did during lunch that one day–this always makes for interesting conversation.
Romantic Relationships
If your friend has recently split from their partner, be sensitive and kind and check in on them. Ask how they’re doing or if they need anything – they’ll appreciate it. Don’t push them into opening up or talking about their feelings unless they want to – just let them know that you’re supporting them and will lend a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen if need be.
If your friend has recently started talking to a loser or someone who doesn’t respect them (and from an outsider’s perspective, you can see that) be honest and give some good advice. Or, if they’re talking to someone who is respectful, generous, and all the good qualities you can think of, be supportive!
If your friend and their partner are still going strong, just ask how they’re doing – it’s always a kind thing to do. Don’t push them into sharing anything that they might not want to talk about – just politely check in on them and their relationship to make sure it’s healthy.
If you’ve been recently talking to someone and you feel comfortable telling your friends, go for it! “So, I’ve been talking to someone…” is always a great conversation starter.
Family
How’s your family doing?
If you care about your friends, you’ll ask them about their family. However, never push someone into talking about their family life unless they want to. It’s a simple and respectful way to check up on them and make sure everything is okay.
If you’re very close with your friends and you know their family well, this won’t be a weird question to ask. “How’s your mom?” or “Your sister just started college, right? How’s she doing?”
Books
What are you reading lately?
What’s on your to-read list?
Should we start a book club?
Have you ever been a part of a book club?
What genre of books is your favorite?
Is there a book you’ve tried to read but just can’t get through? If so, what is it?
Movies and TV
What have you been watching lately?
What did you watch recently that you really loved?
What did you watch recently that you didn’t think was all that great?
Do you have any movie or TV recommendations?
What movie or TV show have you watched more than once?
What is your favorite holiday movie? (Christmas, Halloween)
Do you like romantic comedies or are you more of a horror/thriller type of person?
Podcasts and Music
What have you been listening to?
Are there any podcasts you’d recommend to me that you think I’d be interested in?
If you were to start a podcast, what would your podcast be about?
What was your first concert?
What was your last concert?
What musical artist would you love to see live one day?
Work
How is work going?
Are you feeling good there?
Have you applied for any new jobs?
How’s that one person at work you were telling me about?
School
How’s school going?
What classes are you taking?
What class do you really hate?
What class do you love?
Any hot gossip?
Life, Career, and Aspirations
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
When have you felt the most challenged?
Who do you look up to the most?
What qualities do you love about the person you look up to the most?
Do you regret anything in your life?
If you were President, what is the first thing you would work on to change in this country?
If you could live in another time period, which one would you choose?
What foreign language(s) would you like to master?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
A Few Things to Remember:
Unless you want to get into a potential argument with a person, it’s best to avoid the topic of politics and/or religion and spirituality. Especially if you’re just getting to know someone or you’re looking for interesting things to talk about with family members! It’s a good thing to avoid these touchy (yet important!) subjects at all costs. If you’re with a group of friends and you all share the same political views, go for it and talk about what matters to you. However, if there’s a person who joined your friend group and you’re unsure about their political views, it might be best to stay quiet about such a heavy topic.
Never ever push someone into holding a conversation with you. If they’re texting you with one-word answers or just sending emojis, they’re probably not interested. Or if you’re chatting in person, and they’re avoiding eye contact or not asking you questions in return, they’re probably not interested. No one owes you a conversation, so don’t push! Just end the conversation and leave — you’re both better off.
