Is this what your family looks like when spending time together? Smartphones and tablets out, each person focused on their own little techno-infused world? Sometimes we can forget that keeping up good relationships with the people that matter most to us – including friends, extended family and even colleagues at work – will make us happier and healthier than any gadget, material possession, or individual activity.
Any time you eat a meal with family and friends, you have a great opportunity to put everything else aside and reconnect. Just talking to the person you’re with, and giving them your full attention, will accomplish more for your relationships than almost anything else. But sometimes it can be hard to get your family — especially if you’re parenting teens — to open up. If you’re experiencing that problem, check out this great list of 50 Family Dinner Conversation Starters from Six Sisters’ Stuff. Memorize a few to use anytime you find yourself with nothing to talk about once dinner is on the table, and you’re sure to have a great conversation going in no time!
Even better, many of the conversation starters on this list can be used to break the ice in almost any social situation. Be sure to check out the full list for more ideas! In the meantime, here are some favorites:
- If you could pick your own name, what would it be?
- If you could be a famous person for one week, who would you be and why?
- What was the happiest day of your life so far?
- Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
- What is something you want to learn how to do, and why?