“How are you?” “How was your day?” “What did you do today?” “What’s up?”
These are the most common questions we ask another person. I have asked them of Phillip countless times. Common questions prompt quick, one-word, top level answers that don’t create connection.
photo credit: theunquietlibrarian via photopin cc
I had read this Huffington Post article titled, The Questions That Will Save Your Relationship. It is a beautifully honest, wonderfully written piece about using questions to really know the people in our lives. Know their hearts. Know their truth.
I decreed that I was going to ask better questions. That lasted a week. OK, maybe two or three days.
Last night, I was at a networking group and the presenter brought up the idea of asking meaningful questions. A light bulb went off, and I thought, “Oh yeah, I was supposed to be doing that!”
Inspired by the Huffington Post article and prompted by last night’s reminder. I brainstormed 25 meaningful questions to ask your loved ones at the end of the day. Not all at once. This isn’t an interrogation. Spaced apart. At appropriate times. When relaxed. Focused. TV off. Cell phone silent. Having a chat.
I’m ready to connect. To know the heart of my love. To know his truth. Are you?
- When did you feel appreciated today?
- What is in your control about that situation?
- What made you feel enthusiastic today?
- What was frustrating in your day?
- What did you accomplish that you feel proud of?
- How can I support you right now?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- What was innovative in your day?
- How do you want tomorrow to be different?
- How will you create that change?
- What would bring more fun into your life/our life? Excitement?
- What are you looking forward to?
- In what way(s) is your life in balance right now?
- Out of balance?
- When were you creative today?
- What do you want to do but feel you can’t?
- What’s holding you back?
- How is your work project progressing?
- What are you grateful for?
- What’s inspiring to you right now?
- How can we grow closer as a couple/family?
- What worries do you have?
- What makes you overjoyed?
- How can I/we create more overjoyed moments?
- What value(s) is our life honoring right now? Anything to adjust?