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assemblingaknobStarting points:
What do you like about this place?
What's been on your mind most lately?
Did you see the latest (name of movie at the local cinema)? What did you think?
What are your favourite interests? And then ask in more depth about what attracts them to it, what they've learned, what they get from it.
Even the old standard, "how are you?" is not bad.
If they say, "very well, thanks" you can ask, "what's the secret?"
If they say, "under the weather, not coping," you can ask if they'd like to talk about it.
If yes, just accept whatever they say, never try to give advice unless they ask for it.
Once a bit of rapport is established you can start to ask them more - their life journey, interests, relationships, work, talents, values, etc.
If they don't, at some point ask you about you, then find a time to gently exit and find someone who reciprocates.
A one way conversation means little chance of real relating.
