How you begin a conversation—whether with a friend or a stranger—can set the tone for everything that follows. A polite “hello” does the trick, sure. It’s safe and expected. But there’s room to do better—something warmer, more thoughtful. Once you’ve exchanged names or familiar greetings, why not steer the chat in a more uplifting direction?
One of my favourite ways to start a conversation with a friend is to ask, “What good things have happened to you recently?” It’s a simple question, but it opens a different kind of door. People often pause, not because there’s nothing good to say, but because they’re not used to being asked. If they hesitate, I gently encourage them, hoping to land on something that sparks a bit of joy. Instead of small talk about the weather, we might end up chatting about a new hobby, a lovely weekend, or something that made them laugh.
Another gentle question that works well is, “What’s gone well today?” There’s almost always something. People appreciate the chance to share a win—big or small—and those conversations often leave both of us feeling a little lighter.
When it comes to strangers, like someone helping me at a shop or driving a taxi, I sometimes open with, “Hello, my friend.” I learned that years ago from a colleague, and I’ve seen how it softens the interaction. There’s a friendliness to it, a kind of respect. For folks working in customer service—who often aren’t treated especially well—it goes a long way. You get a warmer response, and the exchange becomes more human, more kind.
Trying to start conversations on a positive note isn’t just about being polite—it’s a quiet act of connection. It helps others frame their day through a more grateful lens. And it helps me too. Those little moments of joy, shared between people, are often the ones that stay with you.
It doesn’t take much—just a thoughtful question, a warm greeting. But it can turn an ordinary moment into something that feels good on both sides. And that, I think, is time well spent.