Conversation Starters for Making Friends

So you’ve found yourself in a situation—maybe you’re trying to make friends in a new place, sliding into someone’s DMs, or navigating the weird world of dating apps. Whatever the case, starting a conversation can be challenging sometimes. No one wants to come off as awkward, boring, or (worst of all) completely forgettable.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to starting conversations based on the type of relationship and where you’re at in that connection. Whether you’re making a new friend, flirting, or taking things to the next level, these conversation starters will help you keep things fun, fresh, and engaging.

1. Casual Icebreakers

Perfect for: When you’re meeting new classmates, colleagues, party acquaintances or mutuals online for the first time

• What’s the weirdest food combo you actually love?

• If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?

• What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve seen on TikTok lately?

• What’s your go-to comfort binge on Netflix?

• If your life had a background song playing at all times, what would it be?

• What’s one thing you never get tired of talking about?

• If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

• What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

2. Deepening the Friendship

Perfect for: When you’re hanging out more often, finding common interests or bonding over shared experiences

• What’s a random childhood core memory that still makes you laugh?

• If you could take a road trip anywhere right now, where are we going?

• If your life were a movie, what genre would it be—and who would play you?

• What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn but never got around to?

• What’s a childhood dream you haven’t given up on?

• What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?

• What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?

• How do you recharge after a long day?

• What’s a fear you’ve conquered that you’re really proud of?

• Who’s had the biggest influence on your life?

3. First Date Banter

Perfect for: When you’re testing the waters with someone you just matched with, a cute acquaintance or a casual crush

• What’s your go-to order at a restaurant you’ve never been to before?

• If you had to relive one day from your past, what day would it be and why?

• What’s your ‘ick’ when it comes to dating?

• If we had to enter a reality TV show as a duo, which one are we winning?

• What’s a weird but oddly attractive trait you like in a person?

• If you were in a rom-com, what would be your ideal ‘meet-cute’ moment?

• What’s a song that instantly puts you in a good mood?

• If we had to survive a zombie apocalypse together, what’s your role in our team?

• What’s a completely irrational fear you have but can’t explain?

4. Getting More Personal

Perfect for: When you both clearly like each other but aren’t sure where it’s going.

• What’s the most unexpectedly sweet thing someone has done for you?

• What’s one thing about relationships that you think people overcomplicate?

• What’s your love language, and do you think it actually matches how you love?

• What’s a non-negotiable for you in relationships?

• What’s a small thing that can instantly make your day better?

• If we planned the perfect day together, what would we do?

• What’s a relationship ‘green flag’ you always look for?

• What’s something you’ve learned from past relationships?

5. Keeping Things Exciting for Long-Term relationships

Perfect for: Deepening emotional connection, keeping the spark alive, and making quality time more meaningful.

• What’s something small I do that makes you feel loved?

• What’s a memory of us that always makes you smile?

• What’s a relationship tradition you want us to start?

• What’s a goal you want to achieve together this year?

• What’s a random thing that reminds you of me?

• What’s one way I could make you feel more appreciated?

• If we could relive one moment in our relationship, what would it be?

• What’s a silly thing we should add to our bucket list?

• What’s a weird inside joke of ours that you’ll never forget?

At the end of the day, great conversations aren’t about having the perfect questions. It’s about genuine curiosity, listening, and having fun with the interaction.

Whether you’re making new friends, crushing on someone, or strengthening a relationship, don’t overthink it—just start talking! You’d be surprised how much magic can come from a single, well-placed conversation starter.