how to talk to adults?

Question

I have a family reunion coming up and i want to be able to have a conversation with my adult relatives. I am 20 years old and as a child I was extremely shy. I am really trying to overcome this but I find that I don't even know how to talk to "grown ups!" Even though I am one of them!! I can talk to other people my age, I know things to ask like "what school are you going to? what is your program? etc, etc." but for people in their 40s... what do I ask? How's work?? How are your kids? I have nothing in common with that and it feels awkard to ask about something like that. So what is appropriate conversation topics!?

Answer 1

I used to be really shy, too. I know it can feel really overwhelming.
I think starting off with a warm greeting will really help you get started. Maybe:

It's so great to see you. How was the drive/flight
I can't believe how long it's been. The last time I saw you was at so and so's wedding. I would love to hear what you have been up to.

From there when you get stuck just have a warm smile. You can always bring up old funny stories.

Just try to remember these people already know you are shy and already love you.

If you have never played Apples to Apples it is a really fun game for all sorts of people and requires almost no talking but is a lot of fun! People end up talking during the game because it can get silly.
Example: the card says creepy and you have to pick your best card to match the word creepy; but you have nothing so you throw out a card that says "tacos" people laugh and if you are feeling brave you can admit it was your card but you don't have to. If you have never played it is a really great icebreaker game.

Answer 2

Sports are a good topic with all ages if they are into sports.

If you know what activities they are interested in you could base an opening question on that. Usually if you hit on a topic they are interested in you will not have to know a lot about the topic.......just nod alot.

The main thing is to relax. Don't be afraid to expand on a topic someone else starts. Once you get involved, just relax. Conversations don't always require constant input from you. Listening is just as important.

Answer 3

We are not quite as hard as you might think. Just ask us how we have been doing. What we have been doing? We will more then likely reply with well you know nothing work Then say what is that you do again how long have you been doing _______? Sooo you love it right? That will break the ice. Ask about their kids. If they have been on any vacations lately or are they planning to take any. This will get you way more info then you really wanted to know lol. good luck

Answer 4

You want a starter question.... Just say - Your thinking of going on a trip.... Hey you guys have been around.... I am saving for a trip... where do you think I should go and why....

People love talking about their trips... You'll se everyone will get involved...

I am 46 and have kids around your ago (actually 23 and 25)

We always talk about everything!

Just 1 important thing! HAVE FUN AND RELAX!

Ron...

Answer 5

I rememember i being slightly uncomfortable chatting with adults , that's dumb. i assume because of the fact I knew my mothers and fathers have been observing and could ask later what the conversatin replaced into approximately, only being curious. that is dumb however in view that theses realtives provides you a wealth of information approximately kinfolk and their reviews with teenagehood and so forth. additionally, i presumed that the international replaced into SO diverse that those kin could desire to not probable understand my international. I remorseful approximately not getting to renowned them greater beneficial.

Answer 6

You might be surprised how much you have in common.
Why not ask them about music or movies? You should stay away from politics and religion, that usually only starts trouble.
Good luck, relax, and have fun.