Matt Lillywhite
Bringing you local weather updates.
https://twitter.com/mattthenomad
5 Questions To Ask When Dating Someone
Matt Lillywhite 2021-02-05
Photo by Davids Kokainis on Unsplash
How often are you lost for words during a conversation?
If you're anything like my former-self, your response will be something along the lines of "all the time."
Right? We all want to have incredible relationships and connect with other people on a meaningful level. But the problem is that we don't know how to start.
It sucks.
Consequently, you overthink every message, response, and your mind goes into overdrive as to whether the other person is genuinely enjoying the conversation.
Throughout my life, I've found myself in the same position as you many times. But I've discovered that asking the right questions during a conversation is equally important as giving a meaningful response. In the words of Tony Robbins:
"Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers."
So below are several questions that have massively improved the quality of my conversations. Each one of them enabled me to generate meaningful relationships, and I hope they do the same for you, too.
Asking open-ended questions is an excellent way for someone to reveal different aspects of their life, and talk about whatever subjects they enjoy.
Research shows that we love talking about ourselves. Quoting an article from Psychology Today: "talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying."
So if you're able to make someone feel good by talking about themselves, the probability of developing a relationship and establishing a meaningful connection is much higher.
Which Of Your Friends Or Family Do You Look Up To Most?
Seneca says, "you can tell the character of every man when you see how he gives and receives praise." When you're able to understand why someone gives respect, their core values in life quickly become evident.
Throughout my life, my mom has been at the epicenter of my respect. Having raised me & my little brother as a single parent, she's always aimed to act in our best interest.
Earlier this year, she got diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Despite living in New Zealand at the time, I decided to fly back to the UK, so I could be with my family while she was having surgery & in recovery.
Take a moment to think about someone that you look up to with enormous amounts of respect. And whenever you find yourself in a conversation, ask the other person to do the same.
You'll discover that it's a genuinely humbling mental exercise.
What Book Had The Greatest Impact On Your Life?
I've discovered that you can tell a lot about someone by the type of books they read. After all, the kind of content we consume is what helps to shape our thoughts & identity.
Several months ago, my mental & physical health took a turn for the worse. I was unsure how to escape my constant negative way of thinking and quickly plunged into a spiral of depression. But while exploring the Calgary public library, I found a book titled "The Obstacle Is The Way" by Ryan Holiday.
Using examples from ancient philosophy, the lessons from that book helped me to change my perception of adversity, overcome my negative mindset, and live a much happier life.
Occasionally, you might find a book that completely turns your life around and enables you to live with a renewed sense of fulfillment. So asking people which book changed their life might help to improve yours, too.
What's An Obstacle You're Currently Afraid Of Facing?
Marcus Aurelius, the former Roman emperor, once said: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
A great truth of life is that fear comes from uncertainty. However, you can also use fear as a motivator to grow as a person and overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.
For example, I used to be afraid of talking to strangers in public. But once I overcame my fear and began having conversations, my self-confidence massively increased as a result.
We don't like to talk about the things which scare us. But whenever you have a conversation about fear, remember that embracing it can give you the courage to change the narrative in your head that's preventing you from succeeding.
If You Could Restart Life, What Would You Do Differently?
Regret is something that we all experience, but often don't want to face as it forces us to admit our mistakes.
However, I've found that when you reflect on your past, it provides an opportunity to reverse course and prevent the same errors from happening in the future. Lewis Carroll said it best:
"We only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make."
When you become emotionally vulnerable about the past and tell your regrets to someone else, it immediately creates a feeling of trust between you both.
So if you want to have a thought-provoking conversation, talking about regret will help you to look back on the past and discuss ways to improve the future.
Creating meaningful relationships begins with the art of asking better questions, and listening with the intent to understand whatever the other person says during the conversation.
In the words of Epictetus: "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."
Remember: To generate meaningful relationships, all you need to do is listen.
Comments / 21
More from Matt Lillywhite
Colorado State 28 days ago
2022 Hurricane Season Likely To Be Active, According To Colorado State University Report
Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a busy Atlantic hurricane season in 2022. By looking at a variety of factors that can influence hurricanes (such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation and water temperatures in the northern Atlantic), they used a weather index called Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) to predict what may happen during the 2022 hurricane season. For reference, an ACE index above 126 is considered above normal.
Texas State 30 days ago
How To Prepare For A Winter Storm In Texas
The City of Austin admitted in a report that it was unprepared for the deadly winter storm that killed hundreds of Texans earlier this year. "The city did not adequately anticipate or plan for a widespread or severe winter storm. While the storm was exceptionally severe, the city's lack of preparedness for Winter Storm Uri led to a less effective and disorganized response."
Oklahoma State 2021-12-17
Dangerous Storms Are Forecast In Oklahoma Tonight
Dangerous thunderstorms and flash flooding are forecast in Oklahoma tonight, according to the National Weather Service. "A few storms could be severe this evening and tonight, mainly north of the Interstate 30 corridor in Southeast Oklahoma, extreme Southwest Arkansas, and extreme Northeast Texas. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats. In addition, locally heavy rainfall and high rainfall rates could result in isolated flooding."
Chicago, IL 2021-12-15
Power Outages Are Possible In Chicago Tonight
Strong winds may cause power outages in Chicago and northern Illinois this evening, according to the National Weather Service. "Damaging winds are likely to blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."
Texas State 2021-12-14
Wildfires Are Possible In Texas Tomorrow
There is a high risk of wildfires in North Texas tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. "The combination of strong, southwesterly winds between 25-35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, relative humidity between 15-20 percent, and receptive fuels will result in elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions during the afternoon. The fire weather risk gradually decreases with southward extent, with the best chances of near-critical to perhaps critical conditions in the extreme southern Texas Panhandle."
Missouri State 2021-12-14
Thunderstorms Are Expected In Missouri Tomorrow
Thunderstorms capable of causing dangerous weather conditions will hit Missouri tomorrow evening, according to the National Weather Service. "A cold front will arrive Wednesday night, bringing chances for some strong thunderstorms, with damaging winds as the main threat."
Arizona State 2021-12-14
Snow Is Expected In Arizona This Week
Snow is expected to hit Flagstaff and several other places in Arizona this week, according to the National Weather Service. "Travel could be very difficult at times. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility Tuesday night into early Wednesday, impacting the evening and morning commutes."
Heavy Rain May Cause Flooding In Southern California Tonight
Heavy rain is forecast to cause flooding in California tonight, according to the National Weather Service. "Rain and snow will expand into Southern California on Monday evening. The rain will be heavy. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of Central California through Tuesday morning. The heavy rain will create numerous areas of flash flooding. Furthermore, many streams may flood, potentially affecting larger rivers through Tuesday morning."
Nevada State 2021-12-13
A Winter Storm Is Expected To Hit Nevada Next Week
The National Weather Service is expecting a winter storm to bring snow and hazardous driving conditions to many regions of Nevada next week. "Another winter storm is expected early next week. Several ingredients appear to be lining up for widespread precipitation on Tuesday."
Oregon State 2021-12-12
Heavy Snow Will Disrupt Travel In Oregon This Weekend
Heavy snow is expected to disrupt travel in Oregon this weekend, per the National Weather Service. "Travel will be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches."
Rochester, NY 2021-12-11
Strong Winds May Cause Power Outages In Upstate New York Today
Strong winds are forecast to blow down trees and power lines in Upstate New York today, according to the National Weather Service. "Damaging winds will blow down numerous trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Some property damage likely. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."
Dangerous Driving Conditions Are Expected In New England This Weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for several states in New England as ice is expected to cause dangerous driving conditions in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont this weekend. "Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury."
Redding, CA 2021-12-10
Northern California Should Prepare For Snow This Weekend
A big storm is expected to bring snow to Northern California this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. "A significant winter storm is shaping up to dump feet of snow in the Sierra with difficult if not impossible travel at times through the event. Conditions will begin to deteriorate in the Sierra near and north of US-50 Sunday, spreading south with all Sierra travel affected by Monday. The period for peak snowfall rates is currently targeting Sunday Night-Tuesday."
Arkansas State 2021-12-10
Arkansas Should Prepare For Tornadoes This Evening
Thunderstorms are expected to cause dangerous weather conditions in Arkansas this evening, according to The National Weather Service. "Strong to severe storms are possible with this system, with damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes."
Tornadoes Are Possible In The United States This Week
Tornadoes are possible in several states this week, according to the National Weather Service. "Thunderstorms will turn severe from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Lower Ohio Valley into Friday night. Damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are the main concern, with large hail possible as well. Most of these thunderstorms are expected to occur overnight, which can be particularly dangerous when tornadoes are a possibility."
A Massive Storm Will Hit The West Coast This Weekend
A big storm is expected to hit Washington and Oregon tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. Therefore, a winter storm watch has been issued for several counties. Total snow accumulation will be several inches in some towns, with wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour.
A Massive Winter Storm Will Hit The United States This Week
A giant storm system is expected to hit Colorado, Utah, Iowa, and several other states this week, according to the National Weather Service. It's expected to pass through the Rockies and Great Lakes, bringing several inches of snow to many regions.
Dangerous Thunderstorms Will Impact Several States This Week
Dangerous thunderstorms are expected to hit Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and several other states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. "The first round will be Friday afternoon and evening with scattered showers and thunderstorms that have the potential to become severe with threats of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The second round is expected to be a squall line Friday night with severe damaging winds and isolated tornadoes as the primary threats."
Dangerous Thunderstorms Are Expected In Several States Today
Thunderstorms capable of producing dangerous weather conditions are expected to hit Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and several other states today, according to the National Weather Service. "A line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to develop by this evening and stretch from the lower Ohio Valley to eastern Texas. Isolated severe weather is possible along this line of storms, particularly from western Tennessee to the ArkLaTex region. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are all a possibility."
Snow Is Expected In Nevada This Week
Snow is forecast in several regions of Nevada this week, according to the National Weather Service. "As cold air filters into the Intermountain West, snow is likely to fall across the lower elevations into Thursday morning for portions of central and northern Nevada."