105 Conversation Starters for Making Friends

Making friends as an adult? Low-key harder than it should be. Even when you want to meet people, starting a convo can feel like a mini social obstacle course. What if it’s awkward? What if it flops? What if they… just nod and walk away?

Relax! You don’t need to be a social butterfly to make friends. You just need a few good openers.

In this article, you’ll find real, down-to-earth conversation starters for all kinds of situations—whether you’re chatting with a classmate, coworker, or someone cool you just met online. Use them, tweak them, make them your own.

Friendly Icebreakers for First Encounters

1. Hey, have we met before? You look familiar.
2. I always feel awkward starting conversations—do you ever get that?
3. That’s a cool jacket/shirt/bag! Where’d you get it?
4. I’m trying to meet new people lately—mind if I join you?
5. I never know how to start small talk. Do you have a go-to?
6. I like your vibe—you seem chill. What’s your name?
7. How’s your day been so far?
8. I’m not great at mingling, but I figured I’d say hi anyway.
9. What’s something random that made you smile today?
10. This place is new to me. Do you come here often?
11. I was just thinking how weirdly quiet it is here.
12. I always appreciate someone with good energy—you seem like one of those people.
13. Are you more of an introvert or extrovert? Just curious.
14. I like striking up random convos—hope that’s not too weird!
15. You seem like someone with good taste. Got any podcast or movie recs?

Conversation Starters in Everyday Situations

1. These lines always take forever—do you come here often?
2. That coffee smells amazing. What did you order?
3. I’ve been trying to walk more—do you usually take this route?
4. That book looks interesting. Have you read anything else by the author?
5. Is it just me or does the weather totally affect your mood too?
6. I always feel awkward in elevators. Do you say hi or just pretend to scroll?
7. Are you more of a grocery list person or a go-with-the-flow shopper?
8. I’m trying to get better at small talk—mind if I practice on you?
9. I saw you pet that dog earlier—dog person, I assume?
10. You ever feel like you see the same people in your neighborhood but never talk?
11. These seats are comfier than I expected. You ride this train often?
12. I’m not usually chatty, but this seemed like a good moment to say hi.
13. Public spaces are funny, right? Everyone’s in their own world.
14. That snack/drink looks good. Is it your usual pick?
15. I always forget my reusable bag. You always remember yours?

Conversation Starters for Schoolmates

1. Have you figured out how to survive this class yet?
2. What’s been your favorite class or teacher so far?
3. How are you liking the campus/cafeteria/library vibes?
4. I’m terrible at remembering names—what’s yours again?
5. Do you study better solo or in groups?
6. I feel like I’ve seen you around—are you in any clubs or orgs?
7. Group projects: love them or hate them?
8. Got any tips for staying awake during lectures?
9. What’s your go-to spot to chill between classes?
10. What are you majoring in—or still figuring it out like me?
11. I always panic when professors say “pop quiz.” You too?
12. What’s one class you think everyone should have to take?
13. You ever just sit in class and wonder if we’ll use any of this later?
14. I’m trying to make friends this semester—thought I’d start here.
15. Any campus events worth checking out soon?

Conversation Starters for Workmates

1. How long have you been working here?
2. What’s your go-to snack or drink during the workday?
3. I feel like we’re always passing each other but haven’t really chatted yet.
4. How’s your workload been lately?
5. What’s your favorite part of the job so far?
6. Got any tips for making Monday mornings feel less painful?
7. You working on anything cool this week?
8. I love a good desk setup—yours looks pretty neat.
9. What kind of music or podcast keeps you focused?
10. Do you prefer working in silence or with a bit of background noise?
11. I’m still learning the ropes—how long did it take you to feel settled in?
12. What do you usually do for lunch—bring your own or grab something nearby?
13. I’m thinking of joining one of the after-work activities—have you tried any?
14. I like your mug—it definitely beats the boring office ones.
15. I’m trying to be more social at work—hope it’s cool I said hi.

Conversation Starters in Group Settings or Social Events

1. So how do you know the host?
2. I always feel awkward at these things until someone starts talking to me—so, hi!
3. This playlist is great. Do you know who picked it?
4. Are you more of a party person or small group kind of friend?
5. I never know what to do with my hands at events like this.
6. What brings you here tonight?
7. I’m terrible at remembering names—can I get yours again?
8. Tried any of the food or drinks yet? Anything worth trying?
9. These kinds of gatherings are way better when you actually talk to people.
10. Ever go to events like this and leave with at least one new friend?
11. What do you usually do for fun when you’re not here?
12. Do you enjoy these social things, or is it more of a “I showed up, now I can leave” deal?
13. This place has a cool vibe, don’t you think?
14. I always wonder how people become friends at stuff like this—maybe it starts with this convo?
15. Wanna team up for the next game/activity if they have one?

Questions for Bonding Over Shared Interests

1. What’s a hobby you could talk about for hours?
2. Seen any movies or shows lately that you couldn’t stop thinking about?
3. What’s a book you recommend to literally everyone?
4. Do you like more chill hobbies or high-energy stuff?
5. I’m always looking for music recs—what’s on your playlist right now?
6. Are you more into indoor or outdoor fun?
7. Got any random obsessions lately? (Mine’s tiny cooking videos.)
8. If you could take a class in anything just for fun, what would it be?
9. What’s your go-to comfort activity on a lazy day?
10. Do you prefer doing things solo or with company?
11. Ever meet someone who shares your weirdly specific interest?
12. Are you a collector of anything?
13. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long week?
14. Have any side projects or creative stuff you’re working on?
15. What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t tried yet?

Starters for Online Friendships

1. Hey, I saw your comment and thought it was really relatable.
2. You’ve got great taste in memes—what’s your all-time favorite one?
3. I noticed we like a lot of the same things—figured I’d say hi!
4. What’s something you enjoy about chatting online vs. in person?
5. I always wonder—do you think online friendships are as real as in-person ones?
6. I’m new here—got any tips or must-follows?
7. What kind of content makes you hit the follow button?
8. That post you made cracked me up. Do you post stuff like that often?
9. What’s something that never fails to make your day online?
10. Have you made any real friends online?
11. Is there a platform you like best for meeting cool people?
12. What kind of communities are you part of online?
13. I’m trying to make more positive connections online—hope this message doesn’t come off weird.
14. What’s something people probably wouldn’t guess about you from your profile?
15. Do you prefer messaging, voice chats, or video calls?

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, making friends is about being real and showing up with a little courage. You don’t need to be super outgoing or say something clever—just start with something small and see where it leads.

Pick a few conversation starters from this list, and don’t be afraid to try them out. Every friendship starts somewhere, and that “somewhere” could be one of your next conversations.