In this article, I've put together a list of the best why questions out there.

Why questions are great conversation starters, especially if they're open-ended questions. They can be used in pretty much any conversation. And that's why as a conversation expert I love why questions. I've included them in many of my over 100+ 'best questions to ask' posts (which have been featured on sites like Marriage.com and Elite Daily).

So with that... are you ready to take your social skills up a notch?

Make Interesting Conversations Now With The Best 27 Why Questions

Contents

4 Best Why Questions Perfect for Intentional Conversation

Starting a dialogue can be a bit of a strain. If you're not big on small talk, these why questions are perfect for a more intentional conversation.

1. Why did you choose your profession?

The career you pursue is an essential part of who you are as a person. This kind of inquiry gives you better insight into someone's goals and aspirations in life.

2. Why did you stop pursuing your dream?

Perhaps you're wondering why a friend suddenly just stopped painting? If you want to know the root cause behind it, try asking your friend this. You might help them ignite their passion back.

3. Why are people afraid of death?

The concept of life and death is different for everyone. Almost always, it has something to do with our own experiences. This question will give you a better understanding of someone's point of view.

4. Why do you want to be successful?

For some, success could mean owning a large business someday. For others, it's as simple as being genuinely happy. Wouldn't you love to know someone's reason for pursuing it? We all could use inspiration.

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4 Inquisitive Questions That Are Great Conversation Starters

Breaking the ice in any social gathering can be daunting. Be it at parties, dates, or business affairs, a great social skill goes a long way, and there are a lot of ways to start a conversation—these why conversation starters will help you spark a discussion anytime.

5. Why do you think music is soothing?

The correct answer to this is that listening to music stimulates dopamine release in our brain, promoting feelings of happiness.

6. Why do you like spicy food?

Maybe they grew up eating it, or perhaps it was an acquired taste? But the better question is, who invented spicy food? Because I want to thank him.

7. Why do people give you good or bad impressions?

There is no right answer to this. I mean, it can be anything about you! We can't be everyone's cup of tea. That's just life. But whether they love or hate you, remember, no one's perfect.

8. Why do you have those hobbies?

If it's your first time meeting someone, learning about a person's hobbies and what they love to do, gives them a good impression that you're genuinely interested in getting to know them.

3 Funny Questions To Ask That Will Burst You Into Laughter

Adding humor in any conversation is a sure-fire way to liven up the vibe in any hangout. I mean, who doesn't love a good laugh? Have a good time with these funny questions to ask your friends and family.

9. Why are both of SpongeBob's parents round like sea sponges while he is square?

The funny answer to this is because they are no longer rough around the edges for being used far too much. They're old-fashioned. Get it? Get it?!

10. Why are pizzas round and their boxes square?

There's a convenient reason for this- square boxes are cheaper to make than circular ones, and pizzas are round because, well, it's the easiest way to shape them.

11. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

Seriously, there's a science behind it. Google it, keep the answer to yourself, and find out which one of your friends has been paying attention to their Chemistry classes. It's fun, and you just learned something new!

4 Interesting Questions That Will Keep You Thinking

Give these interesting questions a go the next time you're out with someone and find out how they'll answer them. It's entertaining, and it gives you a good grasp of how they think.

12. Why do you love reading books?

There are so many reasons to love reading books- the smell of their pages, the different characters you get to be in your imagination, and it makes you smarter! What's not to love?

13. Why do athletes get high salaries?

You ever wondered how Lebron got so rich? It's show business. Brands like Nike pay them loads of money to promote their products because they know millions of fans will watch them. How awesome is that?!

14. Why are cats scared of cucumbers?

Cats are hypersensitive to their surroundings, and cucumbers may look like snakes at first glance, which is why sudden appearances of random objects cause extreme reactions from cats. Now, that's interesting.

15. Why do you believe in astrology?

Or, in other words, "Why are you asking for my time of birth? I just said hi."

4 Challenging Questions With Deep Meaning Answers

It's no wonder that asking higher-quality questions leads to better answers and makes for a good conversation. These hard questions to ask are challenging enough to push anyone to reflect and give more thoughtful responses.

16. Why are you afraid of making mistakes?

Aren't we all? But mistakes are just mistakes. I want to think of them as stepping stones. We learn from them, and we certainly grow from them. Maybe after hearing their answer, you can help them out too.

17. Why do you look forward to your future?

Everyone has something that makes them look forward to tomorrow. Don't you love to know why? We look forward to a future where men are the best versions of themselves because they owe it to themselves. How about you?

18. Why have you felt the need to pretend you don't need help?

We all need help, but it's not always easy to ask for one. If you have someone in your life who needs an intervention, questioning might help them open up.

19. Why do you think so many people grow up feeling the need to be "low maintenance"?

This question helps you understand people's behavior and why they are a certain way.

5 Questions To Ask A Girl That'll Lead To A Longer Conversation

Whether you're trying to swoon a girl, talking to a girl for the first time, or just plain curious about girls, these questions to ask a girl can help you get to know the women in your life better.

20. Why are you so gorgeous?

This one can even pass as a compliment. It's sneaky, it's sweet, and you don't have to try that hard!

21. Why do you want to become a mother someday?

Or "Why don't you want to become a mother someday?". Whether they want a child or not, this is a good question to give you some perspective.

22. Why do girls like tall guys?

Did you know that there's an actual study on this? Evolutionary speaking, women prefer taller men because they're assumed to be better at warding off threats. You learn something every day!

23. Why do you think people get married?

If you're looking for a wife, this might be the right question to ask someone you've been dating. After all, a good wife is worth far more than diamonds.

24. Why are girls moody during their period?

Oh, the wonders of the female reproductive system! If you don't want to get punched, maybe don't ask this when they're on their actual period?

3 Thought-Provoking Questions That Starts With Why

We all love good banter and asking questions that force you to think smarter is how it usually starts. These thought provoking questions will challenge a person's critical thinking skills.

25. Why do we create art?

Art is what an artist wills it to be. For art enthusiasts, this question provides a myriad of different answers.

26. Why do you think honesty is the best policy?

If you want to learn about someone's values in life, this is a great question to ask, especially if integrity is a big deal for you. We all want someone we can trust.

27. Why do people do anything for money?

Is your mind blown from watching Money Heist? Or were you just wondering why Danny Ocean would much rather rob a casino when he can work there? I mean, he's doing the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question, we have an answer.

What is a why question?

A 'why question' is a form of query generally used in asking the reason for something. This kind of question can also be subjective or objective, depending on why you're asking.

How do you answer these question that starts with why?

Responding to simple 'why questions' often begin with 'because" followed by the reason. On the other hand, answers to more abstract 'why questions' may call for more complex thinking.

Why is asking these questions, good?

Curiosity is powerful, and these kinds of questions are an excellent way for anyone to understand themselves, the world they live in, and the people they're with better.

Where and when should I ask these types of questions?

As long as it's a proper question and you keep it respectful, you can pretty much do it anytime and anywhere. You can ask if you need to obtain a piece of information, lead a conversation, or even empathize with someone. Ask away!

Downloadable and Printable List of Questions That Are Not Answerable By Yes or No

Here is a downloadable and printable jpg/pdf list of why questions (right-click the image and select Save Image As...):

How To Ask The Best Why Question

The ability to ask good questions is an underrated skill. Knowing your timing, how to frame your question, and who you're talking to is very important to avoid asking a bad question. What questions did you like? Are you ready to go out there and try them out? Hold your horses! Don't forget these tips to help you ask the best why question.

Tip #1: Match their language.

Match your listener's language by asking questions related to their frame of reference and using words and phrases they normally use. Doing so makes them more comfortable answering your questions, and it also gives you a chance to ask appropriate ones.

Tip #2: Know your purpose for asking.

The purpose of an inquiry is to gather facts or opinions. Plan the information you need and frame your questions accordingly. For example, you have to interview a famous artist. You can ask why he decided to become an artist and why he creates his kind of art.

Tip #3: Ask one question at a time.

If you want to get better answers, ask short and specific questions one at a time. Allowing them to finish their responses before giving follow-up questions will enable them to craft well-thought answers, hence better conversations.

More Awesome Questions To Ask

Striking up a conversation with anyone takes confidence, and the only way to do that is to practice. We got you! Check out these additional questions you can use with anyone.

  1. Deeper connections take time, so you might want to remember these personal questions you can use to get to know someone.
  2. Ever been to a party where you don't know anyone? No problem! Keep these ice breaker questions in mind to save yourself some trouble.
  3. Meet more people and make more friends-learn how to start a conversation.

In Conclusion

Have you decided on the right questions to ask?

By asking why questions, you can get to know someone better and maintain mindful discussions.

We hope this list of why questions provided you with helpful open-ended questions that you can use whether you're trying to break a small talk or just keeping a discussion interesting.