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What to talk about, when chatting to strangers?

Last week, the Happy to Chat team was in full swing. We hosted another Pavilions Happy to Chat Day on Tuesday, September 5th. It was really nice seeing many of you dropping by to say hello and to enjoy a chat with each other, over a cup of tea or coffee, as well as a nice sweet donut.

We were really glad to share that during the day, 162 people across all ages stopped by and expressed their interest in participating in Happy to Chat. Each of them collected a pack. It seems that we are building some steady momentum in Uxbridge here!

Some of you shared some heart-warming stories with us about how Happy to Chat has made you feel more connected in the community. Some of you asked what are the best topics to talk about when chatting to strangers?

Here are some of our suggestions:

  • Hobbies and Interests: Asking about a person’s hobbies is a great way to find common ground. It can lead to a discussion about shared interests and experiences.
  • Travel: Asking about favourite travel destinations or places they’ve visited can open up conversations about cultures, experiences, and adventures.
  • Books, Movies, and TV Shows: Inquiring about someone’s favourite books, movies, or TV shows can reveal a lot about their tastes and potentially lead to recommendations or shared favourites.
  • Food and Cooking: What is your favourite dishes or types of cuisine? This can be a fun way to bond over shared culinary interests.
  • Current Events (Non-Political): Why not discussing non-controversial current events? For example, cultural festivals, local events, or interesting news stories? They help us stay informed and engage in conversation.
  • Sports (Non-Competitive): Inquiring about someone’s favourite sports or teams can be a good way to connect. However, they may support the opposite team though! Only ask, when you can avoid heated rivalries.
  • Pets: Many people love talking about their pets. Asking about their furry friends can lead to heart-warming stories and shared experiences.
  • Music: Inquiring about favourite bands, genres, or concerts can lead to interesting conversations about personal preferences and memorable musical experiences.
  • Travel Plans or Bucket List: Asking about places they’d like to visit or experiences they’d like to have in the future can be a fun and positive too!

Remember to be mindful of the other person’s cues. If they seem uncomfortable or uninterested in a particular topic, it’s best to change the subject. Additionally, always respect boundaries and avoid discussing sensitive or personal topics unless the other person brings them up themselves.

Note: This post receives editing support by the fantastic ChatGPT.

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