Getting to know someone is a process. Small-talk is an important part of it and it can be awkward. But if you think about all of the relationships you’ve developed over the years, what do they all have in common?

...Small talk.

You have to start somewhere! Hopefully it leads to deeper conversation, but without the initial effort, you’ll never know if you have a connection. If you want to make a lasting impression or just spice up the boring, grocery store routine of blandly asking about weather and weekend plans (that literally give you zero insight into your new pal’s personality), perhaps consider selecting a less-conventional question to start a quality convo from this list I’ve come up with:

1. How do you feel about bamboo?

OK...so to be honest, this one randomly popped into my mind as I was “interrogating” a friend’s potential boyfriend. It’s a super-weird question that’s guaranteed to reveal a glimpse of personality. The particular boy who was under interrogation handled it very smoothly and basically already had my approval when he wasn't phased by my curiosity with exotic plants before I even told him my name.

2. What’s the story behind your name?

Hint: this one is helpful if you actually don’t remember their name. It also opens up conversation to family background and leaves some room for vulnerability.

3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Now with this question you could end up learning a lot about both the person you’re speaking with, and about life in general. Maybe it’ll even become the best piece of advice you ever receive.

4. What’s your favorite modern technological device?

The answers you get to this one might help you infer some about their priorities and how the person spends their free time.

5. If your life were a movie, what genre would it be?

Pretty self-explanatory. Mine would for sure end up on Lifetime.

6. What’s your most embarrassing moment?

If they don’t have an answer to this one: either there are way too many options or they are quite normal. I prefer the first explanation.

7. If you could invent anything, what would it be?

Hopefully this brings out a creative side of your new friend, because so many cool things are already invented. But until I am able to purchase a flash drive that stores all of my memories or some kind of craft project that I am miraculously incapable of screwing up, we can always do better.

8. What’s the weirdest article of clothing you’ve ever worn publicly?

Obviously this is important. You’ll either gain some fashion advice or a cautionary tale.

9. How do you measure success?

(Then maybe: Who is the most successful person you know?)

We’re getting a little deeper here. You might be surprised by how many different answers you’ll get to this question.

10. Any irrational fears?

Get ready to psychoanalyze (if you’re into that).

11. What is your favorite room in a house or a building?

Now this is an excellent opportunity to learn about architecture, maybe some cool hiding spots, and about how other people perceive rooms differently than you do, likely based on where/how they grew up.

12. If you could be any character from a TV show, who would you choose?

How different is a person who answers "Joey from Friends” and "Ryan Seacrest wannabe??"

13. If you had to pick one song that sums up your entire life, what would it be?

Another deep one. I don’t even know what I’d say, but I’m sure it would open up the conversation to lots of follow-up questions.

14. If you had to relive only one day of your life forever, which day would you choose?

You’ll quickly learn about this person’s most significant moments, potential regrets, and probably much more.

15. What are the top three things on your bucket list?

Although it's cliche, this is probably my favorite question because it is so important. Whether or not someone has a physical “bucket list” written out, asking this question reminds them that time isn’t a guarantee. If they’re honest with you, it’s a straightforward way to learn exactly what this person wants to do most before their time is up.

There’s nothing wrong with talking about the weather or where you’re from with a kind stranger, but how cool would it be to delve a little deeper? Maybe someone’s answer to one of these above questions will make you reconsider your own. My favorite conversations are the unexpected ones; the ones that make me uncertain of my own opinions.

These questions are likely reserved for the people that you are purposely getting to know - maybe a new roommate or a blind date-- but I’d challenge you to consider broadening that group of people. Why not learn more about a man sitting next to you on a plane or a woman you meet in line to donate blood? I tend to think comfort zones are overrated...but maybe that’s just me.