8 Tips for Finding Common Ground Faster

The key to building better relationships is to quickly find areas of common ground.

We tend to like people whom we perceive are like us.

So, let's do a little experiment shall we?

In this post I'm going to share EIGHT ideas on how you can easily improve your relatability factor in every conversation.?

The key is to find things most all of us have in common.?

The experiment comes in how many matches do you and I have?

COMMON EXPERIENCES

1. Geography

I grew up (arguable) between Farmington, MI and Bloomington, MN where the Mall of America is. I live on a small lake in Oakland County.?

How many of you have been to the MoA or live in Oakland County?

2. Family

I'm adopted.

While I have siblings (3 half siblings from my father.) I grew up as an only child.

I'm married, and we have a 21 yo daughter.

What do we have in common here?

Family, whether we like them, love them, or lost them is something we all have.

3. Food

Pizza is my all time favorite meal. I also like cheeseburgers and probably eat chicken the most frequently.?

Who else lists pizza as their favorite? Bonus points for ingredients or favorite place to get pizza.

4. Education

I finished high school in MN and moved back to MI to attend EMU where I received a bachelor's with a dual major in Psychology and Communication. I received a graduate assistantship offer that allowed me to teach public speaking in exchange for a Master's degree in business communication. I was at EMU from 1989-1996.

Who else went to EMU or holds similar degrees?

HOW DO YOU ENJOY FREE TIME?

5. What do you read?

My favorite book is "way of the peaceful warrior" by Dan Millman. I also love "Illusions" by Richard Bach. The only other non-fiction I read is from Dan Brown.

What do you LOVE to read?

6. What do you watch?

Admittedly I'm not a huge movie guy, and I've seen my fair share. I've seen "empire strikes back" way too many times and will never turn off: Good Will Hunting, The Blind Side, or Remember the Titans.

Hands down I've spent more time watching "The Simpson's" than anything else.

Any other Simpson's fans out here?

7. Sports

I watch football. Especially the Lions, Vikings, and Wolverines.

I play golf and snow ski...pretty sure I'll waterski again, and I love love love my paddleboard.

I played football, basketball, baseball, racquetball, and others. Was a decent pitcher, but a very slow runner. Still. LoL

What do we have in common in the sports world?

Games in general and sports in particular are an experience many of us share whether watching or playing. That's why this works!

8. Music

I've seen Prince, Sting/The Police, and Dave Matthews Band in concert more than any other groups. I also have a ton of CDs from each of them. I would tell you that I have a very eclectic taste in music.

What performer have you seen most or own the most CDs or playlists from?

IN CONCLUSION

These eight topics will allow you to find immense amounts of common ground quickly.

No need to play "20 questions" to get the answers. Let them flow organically but make sure you find out.

BTW, if we have over 5 matches we may become besties instantly.