Not all relationship topics are heavy. There are many things to talk about in a relationship to help you get to know each other and stay on the same page.
Most couples don’t realize this. But the kind of relationship topics couples talk about, can define the direction of their future together. Some topics are frivolous and gossipy, but some topics to talk about with your partner can help you bond better, and learn about each other in different ways.
Honestly, the right kind of conversations are the difference between a happy relationship and a boring one. Have you ever felt like you’re running out of things to talk about, be it over the phone or while you’re just spending an evening together?
It happens to the best of us. But almost always, this “running out” of things to talk about in a relationship doesn’t happen because you don’t know what to say. It happens because you don’t know your partner well enough yet! [Read: Starting a new relationship? Your checklist to a perfect romance]
How can the right kind of relationship topics help keep love alive?
If you’re in a new relationship, you may have so many questions to ask each other. But the fear of sounding rude or getting too personal way too soon may leave a lot of empty space.
If you’re in a seasoned relationship, you may be so accustomed to each other that silence may seem perfectly normal. But every now and then, you need to bring the excitement and spark back into a relationship by talking about the right things.
No matter how long you’ve been in a relationship, it’s only communication that brings two lovers closer together, and leads to better understanding. [Read: New relationship advice to have a perfect relationship]
Healthy things to talk about in a relationship for a stronger bond
Use these relationship topics and things to talk about often. It’s the easiest way to grow together instead of growing apart as the months and years go by.
Start with a few of these topics, and you’ll realize just how easily you can build the chemistry and love in your relationship, just by talking about the right things.
1. Something to keep you excited
Talk about your weekend plans together even if it’s still Monday evening. It’s exciting and fun, and it’ll give both of you something to look forward to after a long week of work. What do you want to do over the coming weekend?
By having something to look forward to, it’ll even help both of you get through the week with enthusiasm because you know you have a good weekend coming up. Sometimes, making plans a few days ahead will also make sure both of you won’t get too lazy and back out at the last minute! [Read: The 75+ best free date ideas when you want the best of romance on a budget]
2. Gratitude and admiration
Ask your partner what they like or admire most about you. Talk about the things you like or admire about your partner. Let them know just how much you appreciate them, be it about their personality or about something they did the earlier week.
3. “So, what’s been worrying you lately?”
It sounds so simple. But yet, this is one of those relationship topics that can make your partner feel grateful and cared for.
Even if they have no worries, just knowing that you care and are concerned about their well-being will make them feel good about being in a relationship with you. [Read: 30 genuine compliments for guys they’ll never ever forget]
4. Working hours
There’s always something to talk about regarding work, be it a new project or a bad boss. By talking about each other’s work life, it’ll help both of you understand each other’s professional sides and ethics better.
Considering we spend a significant part of our day working, learning about each other’s daily work life can keep both of you connected.
If you avoid this relationship topic, don’t be surprised if your partner feels more comfortable talking about things with their work spouse or another friend instead of you! Everyone needs to vent about work, so if not you, your partner will inevitably find someone else. [Read: 49 secrets to know if your partner’s work spouse is way too close to your partner]
5. New secrets
Secrets are always fun to talk about. You can talk about secrets as a game where each of you has to take turns to reveal one new secret. It’ll be a lot of fun, and both of you can get to know each other more intimately.
6. New TV shows/movies this week
There’s always something new and fun every week when it comes to movies and shows, or even what’s new on Netflix. Talk about each other’s favorite shows or the movies you’re excited to watch together. [Read: 60 most romantic movies in the world that are a must-watch]
7. Food suggestions
Even if your lover isn’t passionate about cooking, they’ll at least appreciate good food. Talk about new restaurants or places both of you should visit over the weekend or on a special day.
It’ll give both of you a chance to explore cuisines together and also make dinner plans over the weeks to come.
8. Your dreams in life
Talk about your dreams with your partner. Tell them what you intend to do or what your visions and dreams are.
This is one of those relationship topics that’ll make for great conversation, and help your partner get to know your personal side, your ambitions, and your life goals better. [Read: 20 ingenious ways to keep a relationship fun and exciting]
9. New vacation ideas
Plan your vacations or weekend getaways weeks or even months earlier. Vacations are almost always the highlight of an entire calendar year. Dreamily planning it ahead of time can get both of you excited.
10. Things they like in their personal time
What do you enjoy doing in your own private time? Share your thoughts with your lover. Chances are, your partner too may have a few hobbies that you like.
This is one of the best relationship topics for couples who are just starting to get to know one another.
11. The lives you lead away from one another
It’s always good to know more about each other’s friends. This relationship topic will help you take a step closer to learning more about your partner’s life and what they do, especially when you aren’t around. [Read: The subtle signs your friends are ruining your perfect relationship]
12. Proud moments
This is one of those relationship topics everyone enjoys talking about! Ask your partner to tell you about the moments in life when they’ve felt really proud of their own achievements.
Memorable moments and childhood memories always provide for hours of fun, hilarious conversations.
13. “How can I help you with something?”
Ask your partner if you can help them with something, even if it’s just a chore. Working together on tasks always brings two people closer. And it’ll always make your partner feel grateful for having you around. [Read: How to help someone up when they’re feeling down]
14. Five year plans
If you’ve been dating for a while, talk about where you see yourself five years from now as a couple. Are there any couple goals both of you could work on together?
Having shared goals always makes the relationship stronger and gives both of you something to work towards.
15. Self-improvement
When you talk about your own flaws and where you’d like to improve, it helps your partner feel more relaxed and comfortable. They’ll then break down their own high walls and talk about their vulnerabilities too.
This relationship topic is very important, because it’s the only way both of you can bring down your walls and truly open up to one another. [Read: How to open up to someone you’re dating when you’re scared to be vulnerable]
16. Family life
Talking about each other’s families makes for hours of interesting details and gossip. And it also helps make first introductions and spending time with family more fun.
This is especially the case if you’ve not been together too long and you’ve not yet met their nearest and dearest.
17. Self-improvement in bed
Let’s not call them problems. Call them self-improvements and relationship improvements, if you must.
Never push problems in the bedroom under the carpet. At some point, they’ll always come back to haunt both of you. If you aren’t able to perform or don’t feel like having sex all of a sudden, talk about it so both of you can overcome issues together. [Read: 20 sexual problems in a relationship you can avoid]
18. Things you’d like to try in bed
For a relationship to be successful, sexual intimacy is as important as romantic gestures. Talk about your sexually sensitive spots and erogenous zones. Talk about positions you like or want to try, your secret sexual fantasies and whatever it is that turns you on in bed.
It’ll be exciting and revealing at the same time.
This is one of those relationship topics that’ll not only get both of you to open up, but also go a long way in making your sex life better. [Read: How to spice up your sex life in 30 sexy ways]
19. Wellbeing and wellness
While health issues may not be easy to talk about, it’s still a great way to get to know each other and enhance each other’s lives. Are there any ways you could improve your life and make it better? Is there something healthy the two of you could try incorporating into your lifestyle as a couple?
20. Advice
Communication isn’t always about getting to know more about each other. Every now and then, offer advice and share your suggestions on what your lover could do to improve their life or their work.
However, only offer advice when it’s asked for. Unsolicited advice could cause upset. [Read: Long-term relationship advice – 14 tips to transform your love life]
21. Your past
Topics about the past are always exciting and fun to talk about. You don’t need to talk about past relationships or your sexual details if that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your partner may want to know about your past though, so if you’re okay with going into details, play it safe and talk about it.
But either way, talk about your childhood, your young dreams, and all the little things that make you who you are. [Read: The right way to talk about your past relationships]
22. The future
What do you want to do with your life? This topic can make for intellectual conversations that can help you get to know your partner’s view about life and the pursuits that matter to them.
Of course, it also gives you important information, such as whether they see themselves ever getting married or having children.
23. Likes and dislikes
Sometimes, it’s the little things that can give you hours of fun conversation. Talk about each other’s likes and dislikes. After all, preferences always change with time, and the more you know about your partner’s present preferences, the better you know them. [Read: Getting to know someone – How long does it take?]
24. What can we do together?
Plan shared goals together. It could be about painting a wall, running a marathon the next year, or just about anything else.
When you plan things or try something new together, it brings both of you closer. [Read: How to be the happy couple that’s envied by all other couples]
25. Personal opinions
If you truly love each other, don’t hold your thoughts back if you want to share what’s on your mind with your lover. It doesn’t matter if it’s a suggestion or a warning, if you feel it, say it.
Your partner will feel good to know that you’re always looking out for them no matter what. It always feels good, doesn’t it, when you know that you have a special someone who cares so much about you? [Read: 20 things happy couples don’t do in a perfect relationship]
26. Fond memories you cherish
The best part of being a happy couple is that you have happy memories to look back on. Reminiscing with your partner is an excellent way to remember the fantastic times that both of you have shared together, and reminds you why you love each other.
27. Childhood stories
Filling your significant other in on parts of your childhood helps them to understand where you have come from and why you are the way you are. These stories also knit together not just the two of you, but also the other important family members in your lives.
Sharing these parts of yourself can make a relationship deeper and more meaningful. Childhood experiences often make for the most fantastic of tales!
28. Bittersweet memories
While happy memories may be the most fun to talk about, the hard things you’ve experienced often explain more about your personality than anything else. By sharing these conversations with your partner, you’re demonstrating trust and showing them a more emotional side of yourself.
Bittersweet memories often include the people, lessons, and experiences that you hold the most dear to you, and sharing them with your partner brings the two of you much closer together.
29. Obstacles you have overcome together
Even the happiest couples have had to overcome hard times and misunderstandings. However, just because these fights or misunderstandings have long since been solved doesn’t mean that you never discuss them again.
By talking about struggles, happy couples are able to learn from the past by identifying patterns and behaviors that need to be repaired or modified in their relationships. [Read: 14 perfect conversations that make pillow talk a lot better]
30. Your feelings
One of the most important factors in the communication of happy couples is their ability to share their feelings honestly with each other. By keeping your partner attuned to how you feel, they are in a better position to judge their own actions and reactions.
And at the same time, talking about your feelings always increases the clarity of your communications. [Read: The big reasons trust issues crop up in love and ways to banish them]
31. Your daily lives
In today’s world, it is rare that couples are able to spend all day together. But, during those times when you’re living separate lives, make a point of filling each other in on what you’ve accomplished or endured during the day.
By communicating the day-to-day events of your lives, you’re able to understand each other better.
32. Inside jokes
There is nothing more hilarious than being able to make your significant other laugh hysterically by saying a single word or making a certain face. Having jokes that only the two of you understand brings you closer together and gives you a surefire way to survive boring dinner parties or work functions!
The best part about inside jokes is that they have a tendency to grow more humorous over time – and no one else will understand why you have tears of laughter rolling down your faces. [Read: 15 types of humor and how it affects relationships]
33. Embarrassing moments
Embarrassing moments can be some of the most mortifying parts of your life, but they can also be some of the most ridiculous ones too! Being able to share funny stories that don’t always cast you in the best light is a sign that you trust your partner completely and know that they will love you no matter what.
Sharing embarrassing moments is a great chance to laugh with your significant other, and to stop taking yourself seriously.
34. The things you hope for
Happy couples make sure that their conversations include discussions about what they hope will happen in the future. These discussions might be about what you hope will happen in your relationship specifically, or what you hope will happen professionally.
It doesn’t mean you’re making solid plans, but at this point, you’re conversing about the things you hope you’ll achieve or see in your future, either individually or together. [Read: 9 relationship stages every single couple goes through in love]
35. New hobbies and interests
Do you like clubbing, painting or playing games? Talk about it with your partner. Our hobbies and interests change all the time, and keeping a lover in the loop will help both of you understand each other’s likes and dislikes better.
If you’ve suddenly developed an interest in a new subject or hobby, talk about it! Maybe you can try it together.
36. New places to see together
Talking about new places to spend the weekend together can be a lot of fun in a relationship. Do you have a few favorite hangouts where you like to spend a few hours over the weekend? Or did you just hear about a new restaurant or a movie that you definitely have to check out?
Talk about it. [Read: 15 reasons why you should travel at least once a year]
37. Money matters
Finances and money issues play a big part in any long term relationship. And monetary satisfaction in a long term relationship can be achieved only if both partners discuss ways to save money, invest money and spend money.
Put simply, you both need to be on the same page where finances are concerned.
38. Children
Conversations like these are better spoken earlier than later. If you’re someone who is certain they want children, but you find out your partner doesn’t ever want them, how will that make you feel?
This is one of the top relationship topics for new relationships, although don’t have this chat too soon either! [Read: 19 things you must do as a couple before having a baby]
39. The type of parent they want to be
If you’ve both decided that at some point in the future you want to have children, what type of parent do they see themselves being? Does it align with your parenting vision, or do you need to come to a compromise?
40. Spiritual beliefs
This is a perfect relationship topic for new couples because at this point, you may not know whether your partner is religious or not. Talk about your spiritual beliefs, and remember to be open-minded.
Understanding your partner’s beliefs also helps you understand them more too, and vice versa. [Read: How to have a difficult conversation without losing your nerve]
41. Politics
It’s perfectly possible for two people to be in a very loving and happy relationship and have differing political views. However, if you’re at polar opposites, this could be an issue for some!
It’s also interesting to talk about politics in general life, especially when elections are taking place or other major events.
42. Relationship check-ins
From time to time, why not have a chat about your relationship and how it is going? All too often, we find ourselves in a comfortable space, and we don’t think to solve lingering issues or try anything new. How can you be sure your partner is happy unless you ask them?
This isn’t about dredging up issues that could cause problems, it’s about saying “hey, are you happy in our relationship?” It’s also about asking if they need anything to change. [Read: The awkward conversations you need to have with your partner]
43. Relationship boundaries and needs
Early on in a relationship, it’s important to set out your boundaries. This doesn’t mean sitting down and creating a tick list, but it does mean highlighting any specific boundaries that are important to you.
For instance, if cheating is a hard red line for you, make it known. If you need a certain amount of alone time, say so.
The same goes for what you need in a relationship. If you’re someone who’s quite touchy-feely, let them know from the start. [Read: How to set boundaries – The crucial steps to feel more in control]
44. Relationship fears
Being in a relationship can be scary sometimes. We’re open to hurt and heartbreak, after all. Being so vulnerable with another person can cause fear, so don’t be afraid to talk about it. It will help you both feel more comfortable and secure in your relationship.
45. Fighting style
How do they protect themselves in an argument? Do they walk away and refuse to talk about it, or do they fight dirty? Similarly, how do you fight?
It might sound like an odd conversation, but it’s good to talk about because you can understand one another better in the heat of the moment. You can also talk about problematic fighting styles and how it makes both of you feel. [Read: How to fight fair in a relationship and grow closer as a couple]
How to communicate better in your relationship
Communication isn’t simply about saying words. It’s about so much more! Effective communication is about listening, reading body language, understanding non-verbal cues, and being open to talking about subjects you may not be all that comfortable with at the start.
That means we can all learn to communicate better. Here are a few ideas on how to do just that. [Read: How to communicate in a relationship – 16 steps to a better love]
1. Don’t try to be a mindreader
One of the biggest issues with communication in general, not just in relationships, is what isn’t said. Don’t attempt to read anyone’s mind. You do not know what is going on in there!
Rather than trying to guess, just ask. When they’re ready to talk, they’ll tell you. Until then, don’t attempt to guess.
2. Make time to talk
If you want to improve your relationship and keep everything healthy and on track, you need to actually make time to talk. This doesn’t mean just when something is going on, but throughout the day in general.
Put your phone away and spend some time talking one-on-one. It helps bond you together and allows both of you to feel loved and appreciated. [Read: Lack of communication in relationships – How to fix this issue]
3. Talk about what you need
We’ve already mentioned that you shouldn’t try to be a mind reader, so don’t expect your partner to read your mind either. Tell them what you need from them, don’t expect them to guess and then be annoyed when they don’t get it right.
Of course, that also means listening to what they say too. This is one of the best relationship topics because it clears up all space for misunderstandings.
4. Remember that conversations are a two-way street
A huge part of communication is listening. You need to allow your partner to speak freely without the risk of interruption. While they’re talking to you, actually listen!
It’s no good going in there with everything you want to say and then not listening to their side. [Read: 19 ways on how to be a better listener in a relationship]
5. Be honest but respectful
It’s important to be honest when communicating, but that doesn’t mean using words that hurt your partner. If you’re talking about difficult subjects, be careful with the words you choose and how you say them.
Rather than saying “you always …,” say “I feel like … ” Honesty is a must, but respect is too. [Read: How to communicate with your spouse and end the rollercoaster ride]
Learning to be okay with silence
No matter how good your relationship is, there are going to be times when you simply don’t need to sit down and talk about relationship topics at that moment. You have nothing to say, and that’s okay!
Silence is a beautiful thing in any relationship. Just being able to sit next to each other without feeling awkward or having to worry about what to talk about is a sign of a perfect relationship already.
Don’t panic about silences and assume that it means something is off. You’ll learn to simply feel the difference between an awkward, painful silence and a comfortable one. If you suspect it’s the former, the relationship topics we’ve talked about are a good starting point.
[Read: How to make things less awkward after a fight and feel closer again]
Use these relationship topics to talk about in your relationship, and you’ll never run out of interesting conversations. Both of you will feel closer to each other with each passing day too.