So how do we break out of this cycle?
And why is doing so important, anyway?
30 Questions to Ask Instead of How Are You?
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How are you, how are you doing, hows it going.
All these are iterations of the same question and apt to elicit the exact same response across the board.
You might just find yourself making new friends and strengthening relationships.
“Personalized questions also encourage authentic communication, where both parties can express their true thoughts and feelings.”
Its another to take that conversational stepping stone and truly connect with other people.
Here are the three key ingredients you need.
Actively Listen
All meaningful conversations require a good balance of listening and sharing.
Active listeningis the cornerstone of meaningful engagement, Marmor says.
This is where the magic of true connection happenswhen both people feel understood and valued.
This is where conversations can really come alive, she says.
When someone shares a detail about their life, follow up on it.
If they mention a new hobby, ask what drew them to it.
Create a Safe Space
Finally, creating a safe and supportive environment is essential.
In this space, even silence can be powerful.
Kardas, M., Kumar, A., & Epley, N. (2022).Overly Shallow?
2018;74(1):7. doi:10.1186/s41118-018-0032-z
