The easiest way to start a conversation with a stranger

Think about the last great conversation you had with someone you'd just met. Chances are it didn't start with the weather. It started with something you both cared about: a team, a dog, a book, a bowl of queso.

That's the whole secret. The easiest way to talk to a stranger is to find the thing you're both into, then let that do the work.

Why shared interests beat small talk

Small talk asks you to make something out of nothing. A shared interest hands you a topic you already know and like. You don't have to be clever. You just have to be curious.

It also skips the awkward part. When someone sees you're into the same thing, they already have a reason to say hi, and so do you.

Openers that actually work

The best first lines are specific questions only a fellow fan would ask. They show you're one of them, and they can't be answered with a yes or no.

• Ask for a favorite, not a fact. "What's the best queso in town?" beats "Do you like queso?"
• Ask which one. "Which run club?" opens a story. "Do you run?" closes one.
• Ask about their thing. "What's your dog's name?" works every single time.
• Trade a pick. "Shoestring or waffle?" is a debate, and debates are fun.

Then listen, and ask one more question about the answer. That's a conversation.

Let what you wear say hi first

The hardest part of talking to a stranger is the first line. So make it easy for them. When what you're into is right there for people to read, they know what to ask before they've said a word.

That's why we made INTO. One big word in thick, raised chenille on a soft cream crown, made to be read from across the room. FRIES. PICKLE. BOOKS. Wear it to the coffee shop and someone will ask.

Not sure which one you are? Here are the questions people tend to ask each hat: conversation starters for every kind of person.

A few easy habits

• Go where your people are. It's easier to talk to a stranger who already likes what you like. We rounded up the best places in how to meet people who are into what you're into.
• Notice what other people are into. A book in someone's hand or a shirt from a race is an open invitation.
• Keep it light. One good question and a smile is plenty. If it turns into a real conversation, great. If not, you still made someone's day a little friendlier.

Be proud of what you're into.

Find your word ▶