As it turns out, yes there is.
The secret to making friends is this:
Transforming shallow questions into deeper (and more emotion-inviting) ones.
For example:
Instead of asking, "Where are you from?".
Ask: "What's the best thing about where you grew up?"
Why it works:
→ Studies show that deep conversations lead to greater happiness than small talk
→ Allows for vulnerability, which is key to building trust
Top tips to implementing it:
✅ Use the person's name in conversation
✅ Replace shallow questions with open-ended ones
✅ Listen actively and ask follow-up questions
✅ Share authentic information about yourself
✅ Focus on shared experiences or interests
✅ Practice empathy and show genuine interest
The key is to create a deeper connection while respecting boundaries.
Remember - Allow the other person to decide how deep they want to go.
Hope that helps!