Friendship and Dating

The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.

Friendship:

1. What qualities do you value most in a friend? Why are these qualities important to you?

2. Can you describe a memorable friendship that has had a significant impact on your life? (Who was the friend? How old were you when you met this person? What did/do you usually do together?)

3. How do you approach making new friends as an adult?

4. Share a story about a time when a friend supported you during a difficult period in your life: When was this? Who was involved? Why was it a difficult period for you? How did your friend support you?

5. How do you maintain and nurture friendships over time, especially when life gets busy?

6. Can you share a story about a disagreement or conflict you resolved with a friend? What did you learn from the experience?

7. How do you think smartphone apps and social media have changed the way we form and maintain friendships?

8. Can you discuss the impact of life transitions on friendships, such as moving, changing jobs, or getting married?

Dating:

9. What are some important values or qualities you look for in a romantic partner? How do you approach dating with those preferences in mind?

10. How do you deal with the challenges of modern dating, such as online dating apps and “ghosting” (abruptly ending communication with someone without warning or explanation)?

11. Can you share a memorable dating experience, whether positive or negative, and what you learned from it? (How old were you when this happened? Who was involved? What happened?)

12. How honest do you think people should be when they start dating? How long do you think people should wait before they start talking about past relationships or personal problems?

13. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements in romantic relationships?

14. How have gender norms and expectations changed in dating and relationships over the last few decades?

15. Can you share a story about a time when you had to deal with cultural differences in a dating relationship?

16. How do you handle rejection or disappointment in dating?

Friendship and Dating:

17. How do you think friendships influence dating experiences, and vice versa? Can you share a story about a friend who became a romantic partner, or a romantic partner who became a friend? How did the dynamic change?

18. How do you balance maintaining friendships and pursuing romantic relationships? Have you ever lost a friend because of a romantic relationship?

Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide: CONTENTS