When meeting someone online versus meeting them in person, the context and nature of the interaction differ. Therefore, the types of questions you ask may vary to suit each situation. Here are some considerations for both scenarios:
Questions to Ask When Meeting Someone Online:
- Icebreaker questions: Start with light and friendly questions to break the ice and establish a connection. For example:
- “How did you spend your weekend?”
- “What are your favorite hobbies or interests?”
- Online-specific questions: Since you’re communicating through a digital medium, you can inquire about their online activities or preferences.
- “Do you have any favorite websites or social media platforms?”
- “What kind of online games do you enjoy, if any?”
- Get to know them better: As the conversation progresses, dive deeper into their personality, aspirations, and background.
- “Tell me about your career or studies.”
- “What are your long-term goals?”
- Shared interests: Explore common interests you may have based on their profile or previous conversations.
- “I noticed you enjoy hiking. Do you have any favorite trails?”
- Ask about their experiences: Learn more about their life experiences, which can lead to meaningful conversations.
- “Have you traveled anywhere interesting recently?”
Questions to Ask When Meeting Someone In Person:
- Observational questions: Start with observations about your surroundings or the event you’re attending together.
- “What do you think of this place/event?”
- Open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversations by asking questions that require more than just a simple “yes” or “no” answer.
- “What do you like to do for fun?”
- “Tell me about your favorite childhood memories.”
- Family and background: In a face-to-face setting, it’s often easier to discuss personal topics.
- “Do you have any siblings?”
- “Where did you grow up?”
- Current interests and activities: Ask about their current hobbies, activities, or recent experiences.
- “Have you tried any new restaurants lately?”
- Future plans: Inquire about their short-term or long-term goals and aspirations.
- “Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming months?”
Remember to be respectful and mindful of the other person’s comfort level and boundaries, regardless of whether you’re interacting online or in person. Tailor your questions based on the flow of the conversation and gradually explore deeper topics as you both become more comfortable with each other.
