this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2024
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me_irl
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The problem is that the question is trash. It's too open. Ask something more specific "What music have you been listening to lately?"
Way easier to answer.
My favorite question to ask people is “what is something that you learned recently that you, personally, yourself, find interesting”, but I always find it disappointing when people, rather than divulge their special interest, hobby, or skill set, will flounder and ask what I’m interested in. I put all them leading “looking for your personality” words in and all and nope.
My dude that’s not what I asked. I want to know what makes you tick, what you find interesting, not what you think makes me tick, you don’t know me; everything makes me tick if it’s presented well.
One dude told me all about the trash bag making machine he helped design and actively maintained, and it was a great chat. Pulling teeth to get him to open up but once he did he was so proud of himself it was great!
ETA: So, tell me about a thing you learned recently that you find interesting. (Seriously, open invite, I’m always down to learn stuff)
Also my second favorite question, which I reserve for professionals I interact with when they are on the job, is “what was the path that got you to your current professional occupation?” Because that’s almost always an interesting story and I’m terrible with small talk.