Conversation starters for every kind of person

Everyone has a question they're secretly hoping someone will ask. Ask a runner about their run club and you'll get a story. Ask a cat person how many cats and the phone comes out.

A good conversation starter does three things. It shows you're one of them. It asks for a story, not a yes or no. And it's a little bit fun.

These are the questions people ask when they see each INTO hat. Borrow them anywhere.

• RUN - for runners: "Wait, which run club?" You'll hear it at the coffee shop after the long run.
• PICKLE - for pickleball players: "Pickleball or pickles?" You'll hear it in the parking lot after open play.
• GOLF - for golfers: "What'd you shoot?" You'll hear it at the 19th hole.
• PILATES - for Pilates people: "Which studio do you go to?" You'll hear it at the coffee shop after the 6am class.
• LIFT - for lifters: "What's your split?" You'll hear it at the coffee shop after leg day.
• SAUNA - for sauna regulars: "How hot do you go?" You'll hear it on the walk to the cold plunge.
• DOGS - for dog people: "What's your dog's name?" You'll hear it at the dog park.
• CATS - for cat people: "How many cats?" You'll hear it right before the phone comes out.
• BOOKS - for readers: "What are you reading?" You'll hear it at the bookshop.
• CINEMA - for movie lovers: "Seen anything good lately?" You'll hear it in the popcorn line.
• CHESS - for chess players: "What's your opening?" You'll hear it at the coffee shop on a Sunday.
• NERD - for nerds of every kind: "Nerd about what?" You'll hear it somewhere mid-tangent.
• PRAY - for people of faith: "Where do you go to church?" You'll hear it on the steps after Sunday service.
• FRIES - for fry lovers: "Shoestring or waffle?" You'll hear it in the drive-thru.
• RANCH - for ranch people: "Wait, like the dressing?" You'll hear it at wing night.
• QUESO - for queso people: "Okay, where's the best queso?" You'll hear it at the Tex-Mex place.
• MEAT - for barbecue people: "Where's the best brisket in town?" You'll hear it in the barbecue line by 10am.
• BREAD - for bread bakers: "What's your starter called?" You'll hear it at the Saturday farmers market.
• RAMEN - for ramen people: "Tonkotsu or shoyu?" You'll hear it at the counter after midnight.
• MILK - for milk people: "Whole, 2% or oat?" You'll hear it over the second bowl of cereal.
• CANDY - for candy people: "Sour or chocolate?" You'll hear it at the concession stand.

How to use them

• Notice first. A race shirt, a tote bag from a bookshop, a dog on a leash. People tell you what they're into all the time.
• Ask, then ask again. The first question opens the door. A follow-up about their answer is what turns it into a conversation.
• Share yours. "Waffle, obviously" is a perfectly good reply. Trading picks is half the fun.

Or let people ask you

If you'd rather be on the receiving end, wear your word. Every INTO hat is one big chenille word on a soft cream crown, made to be read from across the room. Pick yours and get used to hearing your question.

Want more? Read the easiest way to start a conversation with a stranger, or find the gift for someone who's into something in our gift guide.

Be proud of what you're into.

Find your word ▶