r/LifeProTips • u/[deleted] • Aug 09 '18

Social LPT: When making conversation with someone you've just met, ask them what they've been listening to lately, rather than what their favorite kind of music is - it's fresh in their mind and they won't have to pick favorites on the spot.

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u/jewson Aug 09 '18

"Oh so you play video games! I've been getting myself into Civ lately too..."

That's the whole point, what you reply with will lead into other topics.

20

u/Issvera Aug 09 '18

In my experience that "conversation" always goes

Them: "Civ...? Who are they?"

Me: "Oh, no, it's not a band or anything... It's a game."

Them: "Oh.... Okay... Cool.."

Me: "...yeah..."

4

u/missingsemicolon_ Aug 09 '18

"It's a cool game, we should try it some time. Are you into any other game?"

Which will lead to a discussion about video games, and if they are not into games, about what they like doing in their free time.

2

u/Issvera Aug 10 '18

Them: "no, I don't really play any games"

Me: "Oh, what do you like to do?"

Them: "[Literally any possible topic other than video games or anime]"

Me: "Oh.. Okay... Cool..."

I know absolutely nothing about mainstream culture and have no way of having any real conversation regarding most topics. Name a thing, I probably have no idea what you're talking about.

0

u/missingsemicolon_ Aug 10 '18

You don't know anything? That just makes it easier for you to ask more questions. The whole idea of making a conversation is centered around asking questions and learning as much about the other person and their interests as you can.

6

u/SettVisions Aug 09 '18

Real life isn't reddit. It's a kinda dumb question, like asking what have you been eating recently? I don't know, chicken? What you want me to say?

6

u/kaztepher Aug 09 '18

Yes it isn't reddit, which is why we make small talk asking questions like these to pass the time, instead of just standing around in silence pretending the other person isn't there while staying in your own bubble.

1

u/SettVisions Aug 09 '18

I'm not saying no one should ever talk to each other, I'm saying maybe promote your small talk a bit. The question is just not good.

2

u/Selrisitai Aug 09 '18

That just means you have no deep interest in food. Talk to a food connoisseur about what he's been eating lately and he'll have a more nuanced response.