Making Friends / How to Start a Conversation / Lesson 11

LESSON 11 · HOW TO START A CONVERSATION

Ask About Their Weekend Plans

Thirty-two easy ways to ask about weekend plans, the friendly question that works almost everywhere.

The weekend is a happy topic. People love to share.

30 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

30 tips that really help

These ideas come from The Fine Art of Small Talk (Debra Fine), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), We Need to Talk (Celeste Headlee), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why weekend plans work

Almost everyone has a weekend, and plans are positive and easy to share. It is a safe topic.

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Ask.

TIP 2

Ask on Thursday or Friday

Do you have any plans for the weekend? The mood is happy.

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Use it.

TIP 3

Ask on Monday

How was your weekend? People are ready to share.

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Use it.

TIP 4

Follow up on details

If they mention a trip, ask where. Details keep it going.

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Follow.

TIP 5

Share your own plans

After you listen, share your own plans too, because balance keeps the chat warm.

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Share.

TIP 6

Suggest a plan

Say, if you are free, we could grab coffee. Plans grow friendships.

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Offer.

TIP 7

Respect their answer

If they say nothing much, accept. Rest is a plan too.

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Be kind.

TIP 8

Ask about family or friends

Ask gently whether they are seeing family or friends, because warm people love to share who they will meet.

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Ask.

TIP 9

Ask about hobbies

Ask whether they will have time for their hobbies, because this question quickly reveals what they love.

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Ask.

TIP 10

Use a cheerful tone

Smile as you ask, because the topic is a happy one and your face sets the mood.

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Smile.

TIP 11

Wish them well

End with, have a lovely weekend, because a warm close leaves a good last impression.

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Wish.

TIP 12

Follow up afterwards

Ask on Monday about their weekend. Care continues.

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Remember.

TIP 13

Script: asking

Doing anything fun this weekend? Say it brightly.

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Use it.

TIP 14

Script: follow

Oh that sounds lovely, where are you going? Say it with interest.

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Use it.

TIP 15

Script: sharing

I might go for a hike if the weather is good. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 16

Script: wishing

Have a great weekend, you deserve it. Say it kindly.

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Use it.

TIP 17

Script: Monday

How was your weekend, did you enjoy it? Say it cheerfully.

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Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: assuming everyone has exciting plans

Some people simply rest at weekends, so accept every answer warmly without any judgement.

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Be gracious.

TIP 19

Mistake: asking too personal details

Keep the question light and easy, because prying into private details makes people pull back.

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Stay light.

TIP 20

Mistake: comparing plans

Comparing plans can make someone feel small, so celebrate theirs instead of ranking them.

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Be generous.

TIP 21

Mistake: forgetting to share

Balance the chat by saying your own plans too, so the talk feels fair and warm.

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Share.

TIP 22

Mistake: asking while busy

Give your full attention by putting work and phones down, because people feel it when you listen.

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Focus.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when they say nothing much

Say, rest is a good plan too. Keep it warm.

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Be kind.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when they work weekends

Ask about their days off instead, because many people work at weekends and still enjoy sharing plans.

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Adjust.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when they feel lonely

Offer a small, gentle invite such as a short walk, because lonely people often appreciate a kind plan.

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Invite.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when culture differs

Weekends differ; ask about their rest days. Respect.

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Ask.

TIP 27

Troubleshoot: when you have no plans

Say so with a smile: quiet weekend for me. Honesty is okay.

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Be honest.

TIP 28

Drill: ask three people

Ask three people about weekend plans this week. Note one answer.

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Ask.

TIP 29

Drill: Monday follow-up

Follow up on a Monday about someone’s plans. Watch their smile.

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Follow up.

TIP 30

Drill: write your own answer

Prepare a friendly answer about your weekend. Practise.

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Prepare.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

ASK

“Doing anything fun this weekend?”

FOLLOW

“Where are you going?”

SHARE

“I might go for a hike.”

WONDER

“Is it something you do often?”

THANK

“Have a great weekend.”

CLOSE

“Tell me how it went.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Ask early in the week

DAY 2
Listen

DAY 3
Follow up

DAY 4
Share yours

DAY 5
Wish them well

DAY 6
Ask on Monday

DAY 7
Remember

Further reading

• The Fine Art of Small Talk (Debra Fine)
• How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)
• We Need to Talk (Celeste Headlee)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.