What are some ways to identify shared interests and commonalities with a stranger?

When meeting a stranger, finding common interests and shared experiences can help establish a connection and build a rapport. Here are some ways to identify shared interests with a stranger:

1. Ask open-ended questions: Ask the person about their hobbies, favorite books or movies, or places they have traveled to. This will give you a sense of their interests and provide opportunities for commonalities to emerge.
2. Pay attention to cues: Observe the person's clothing, accessories, or items they are carrying. For example, if they are wearing a t-shirt with a band you like, it might be a shared interest.
3. Share your own experiences: Talk about your own interests and experiences. This can create opportunities for the other person to share their own experiences and interests.
4. Listen actively: Pay attention to what the person is saying, and show that you are interested. This can encourage the person to share more about their interests and experiences, which can reveal shared interests.
5. Look for non-verbal cues: Pay attention to the person's body language and tone of voice. If they become animated when talking about a particular topic, it might be a shared interest.
6. Use social media: After meeting a person, check out their social media profiles to see if you have any shared interests. This can be a great way to continue the conversation and deepen the connection.

By identifying shared interests, you can create a foundation for a meaningful conversation with a stranger and potentially build a long-lasting connection.