What’s the best way to break the ice when meeting new people for the first time?
What’s the best way to break the ice when meeting new people for the first time?
r/AskWomen
What’s the best way to break the ice when meeting new people for the first time?
Comments
I like to ask them about themselves. Pets, hobbies, potential conversation pieces they’re wearing (like shirts or pins or something).
I love to observe something about someone and ask a question about it!
This can be all sorts of things, like:
• Noticing someones hair looks really beautiful, complimenting it and asking where they get it done (same for nails)
• Noticing a really nice clothing item, saying it looks amazing on them and asking where they got it
• Noticing an engagement ring or other nice jewelry, complimenting it and asking if there’s a story behind it
These are just a few examples, some people don’t like opening up to others right away so this might not be the best course for everyone — so if they seem uncomfortable apologize but don’t linger, and keep going! In general though, a lot of people love to be asked a question about themselves and love to get the opportunity to share something!
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Besides commenting on their hair or clothes that you like, my three main questions for new people are favorite food, favorite color, and favorite musicians
i like to just be genuinely interested/curious about the person(s), if i really want to get to know them. like what kinds of foods do you like, do you order food or cook more? do you have pets/what kind? do you have family locally, siblings, etc? did you grow up around here? talking about the weather/current seasons and what’s to do for fun at the time is always safe.. or any upcoming holidays or vacation plans.. or anything related to whatever you’re doing at the time. if it’s a work thing, ask about their professional history or future goals. if it’s mutual friends you can ask about stuff they’ve done together or how they know each other. i just keep it light and ask stuff that i actually care about. and share genuinely about myself and keep that light too. like don’t trauma dump or ask invasive personal questions, etc. lol
compliments
Start with a bright smile and ask some common questions like their interest, like and dislike…
My lame attempts usually involve open enthusiasm, genuine interest, friendly energy, compliments, relatable and self-depricating humour 😅
What’s something about yourself, that you don’t mind telling me, and I wouldn’t learn from reading your resumé?
Ask for travel recommendations
As someone who hates small talk, I like to ask about places people have travelled to and how they felt about it. I then share my own experiences.
Who’d you last see in concert? Related, who’s on your wish list?
Ask about their day. Much easier to answer than but things like who are you what defines you yadda yadda
I would love help in this situation. I’m meeting my partners stepmum for the first time tonight and am so nervous.
Observe your environment. Make an observation (none political or religious) that the person might also share.
Whao the weather is so nice. I wish I could be outside.
The restaurant smells great. I’m really looking forward to dinner here.
The observation establish the two of you have similar outlook on life. After this exchange, i share something about myself, and ask them about themselves re. the thing i just shares.
I love going hiking in weather like this. Do you ever hike?
I have never been to this restaurant before. Have you?
By sharing something about yourself, the questions seem less intrusive.
We went to a kids birthday party for our neighbor and were sitting with random people we didnt know. The dad of the birthday kid came over, asked what good food was around here and what everyone liked to get. BAM instant conversation. Best way to break the ice and something everyone can relate to.
“So, what do you do when you’re not waiting in a dentist’s office/picking up the kids from school/waiting in line at the DMV?” Use whatever the setting is. It’s an open-ended question that allows the person to answer with their occupation or their hobbies, or just talking about the long walk they have planned next. People can be as forthcoming or guarded as they want and it’s not the same as saying, “What do you do for a living?” which sounds as though you’re trying to size up their $$ situation.
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“What’s up, fuckers?!” is my go to line.
Casually present two options to a problem as if asking for personal advice “If you had to chose between three nights on the beach and a week in the mountains, which would you choose?” Talking to people like you already know and trust their opinion will encourage them to open up.
Ufff
Say hi
Compliments followed by a question related to the compliment so that they can steer the conversation. For example : wow, that’s such a cute top! Where did you get it, it’s so pretty?
I am not that person but I went out to brunch with a woman who was SOOO good at breaking the ice. Like she just talked sooo enthusiastic & carried a conversation sooo easily that it was so easy to open up and have fun with her. I’m reading this thread to try and be like her!😭i genuinely admire her!!!!
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Pets, weather, traffic these are common topics that I usually start with. Segue into food next