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>Open ended questions are pretty garbage unless someone is already attracted to you, and used to being conversational. Interrogations aren't fun.

It seems like there's a lot of evidence that people like talking about themselves. Also, questions invite engagement where 'interesting statements' don't, necessarily.

I think 'interesting questions' are a good route to go. Knowing a bit of philosophy helps here. E.g. "In a brain transplant would you rather be the donor or the recipient?" or "Should child-sized sex robots be legal?" Because regardless of the answer it invites follow ups like "Why?" and "What about you? How would you answer the question?"




> "Should child-sized sex robots be legal?"

I'm not an expert in this field, but it seems like bringing up the subject of pedophilia (even in the abstract) in your first conversation with someone is ill-advised.


Sex with a robot and sex with a child aren't the same thing. See why it's a great conversation-starter?! :-)

But yeah, it wouldn't be my first question.


Right, it's an interesting philosophical question, I'm just advising not to lead with it :)


Definitely marking the guy in the maroon blazer as suspect and observing who his friends are for future avoidance.


It's not a brain transplant, its a body transplant!




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