Ask questions. That’s the key to life. Finding out all you can about someone else. Make them feel loved and valuable but be sincerely interested. I think we often talk about ourselves because we don’t know the questions to ask to get a person to open up.

Think of something off the wall to ask. If I’m at a gathering I just want to ask another person if they are uncomfortable as I am and if not, why not. That will allow them to not feel alone if they are as shy as I am, or, it gives them an opportunity feel as if they are doing something good by reassuring me that (for instance) most people are as shy as I am and they are more concerned about what you think of them…. Then we both may laugh. But it’s a beginning for a deeper conversation.

I despise small talk and find it hard to remember details out of context. Like how many kids Sally and Joe have. But if they tell me about a disaster of a family Vol State vacation they’ve had, then it’s easier to remember the kids. That’s a good question to start things off too.

Figure out what you’re interested in in a person and create some questions that help you get the answers. Go into a meeting or gathering with an intention- even if it’s just a social or fun event. Then quiz yourself afterwards.

Guess what? If you ask enough unique questions to find out important stuff about someone else, you’re much more likely to be considered interesting yourself. See how that works ?