Most of us already know how to have a conversation with our peers. If I meet a woman of a certain age, we can be talking like best friends in a few minutes. In fact, one of my new closest friends became my buddy just through a conversation in our local library.
This blog post is mainly for the young person who finds himself or herself, without the support and loving companionship of their smart phone or tablet, facing Grandma across the table. You could begin talking about your video game stats, your friend’s cat, or how much you love or hate a TV show.
OR…
You could start this way. “Grandma, where did you go to school? What was your most difficult subject? When or why did you decide to become a … teacher, artist, electrician, nurse, police officer? Are you happy you did?
Did you have your own bedroom when you were a kid? Who was your favourite sibling? What games did you play? Who was your best friend? Are you still friends?
What did you do to help your family? How old were you when you got your first job? What was the worst job you ever had? What job do you wish you could have done?
Were you ever bullied? How did you handle it? What was the nicest thing a friend did for you? Did you ever stand up for a friend who was having a difficult time?
Did you ever have a birthday party? What was your best gift? What was the best gift you gave someone else? How did they react?
What was your favourite book when you were young. Why did you like it so much? Have you ever re-read it? Who is your favourite author now?
Is there a country, city, location, that you would like to visit? What would you do if you were there right now?”
These questions can be applied to any situation where you are faced with someone you don’t know much about.
Grandma can ask grandchild, you can ask a neighbour or colleague, kids can ask other kids.
Just show some interest! You might learn something new about someone. A relationship can result. You just never know where it will lead. It might turn out to be one of the best things you ever did.
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day! – Maureen
Old Girl New Tricks 
Great conversation starters!
Inspired by a conversation, a real one, with my 12 year old granddaughter.
Did she ask you those questions? I’m impressed!
Oh what a wonderful and very useful post!!!!
Try it on your hubby!
Hi Maureen, where did you get the idea for this. It is superb! The trip was exhausting! However we got a larger vehicle at the rental so we were all able to fit with Laura squashed into the pull down seat in the back with the luggage for the drive to st Nicolas. The house is big with huge bedrooms with comfy beds. I got a double kiss on the first night from Brrruno, returning from the bar! Hot days and cold nights. Reminds me of Bermuda, with the narrow roads, stone walls and lush vegetation.
Sent from my iPad
>
So glad the house is comfy! I hope to see some photos soon. Who is Bruno???
The idea came from a conversation with Brynn. She asked me when I decided to become a teacher and we just went from there.
Glad you liked it.
I’m going to share this with my kids and nephews/nieces. Too often, conversations between older and younger relatives are all about the younger ones. Also, it will be good for my dad to have a focus of conversation-he is famous for his long tangents!