Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Relationships” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Starting a Relationship
1. How do you know if you like someone more than a friend?
2. What is the best way to meet new people?
3. Do you believe in love at first sight?
4. What qualities do you look for in a partner?
5. How important is physical appearance in a relationship?

II. Dating
6. What is your idea of a perfect date?
7. Should people split the bill on a date?
8. How do you feel about online dating?
9. What do you think makes a relationship strong?
10. Is it important to have common interests in a relationship?

III. Communication
11. How often should couples talk to each other?
12. What should you do if you have a disagreement?
13. Is it important to say “I love you” often?
14. How can you tell if your partner is upset?
15. What is the best way to resolve a conflict?

IV. Long-term Relationships
16. When is the right time to get married?
17. Is it important to live with someone before marrying them?
18. How do you keep a long-term relationship exciting?
19. What role does trust play in a relationship?
20. How important is it to share future goals with your partner?

V. Challenges in Relationships
21. How do you deal with jealousy?
22. What do you think is a deal breaker in a relationship?
23. Is it okay to keep secrets from your partner?
24. How do you know if a relationship is not working?
25. Is long-distance a big challenge for a relationship?

VI. Family and Relationships
26. How important is your family’s opinion about your partner?
27. Should you change for someone you love?
28. How do you balance time between your partner and your family?
29. What do you think about having children?
30. How do you handle disagreements with in-laws?

VII. Friendship vs. Romantic Relationships
31. Can men and women be just friends?
32. What is the difference between friendship and love?
33. How do you turn a friendship into a romantic relationship?
34. Is it possible to go back to being friends after a breakup?
35. What should you do if your friend likes the same person as you?

VIII. Breakups
36. What is a good reason to end a relationship?
37. How can you recover from a breakup?
38. Is it okay to remain friends with an ex?
39. How do you know when you’re ready to start a new relationship?
40. Is it better to break up in person or through a message?

IX. Love and Culture
41. How do different cultures view dating and marriage?
42. Should culture play a big role in choosing a partner?
43. How do you handle cultural differences in a relationship?
44. What is an example of a romantic tradition in your culture?
45. Is intercultural marriage a good idea?

X. Values and Beliefs
46. How important are shared values in a relationship?
47. Should partners have the same religious beliefs?
48. How do you respect each other’s beliefs?
49. Can political views affect a relationship?
50. How do you handle different life philosophies?

XI. Personal Growth and Relationships
51. Can a relationship help you grow as a person?
52. Should your partner also be your best friend?
53. How does a relationship influence your goals?
54. Is it important to have personal space in a relationship?
55. How do you support your partner’s dreams?

XII. Fun and Leisure
56. What are some fun activities for couples?
57. How important is it to travel with your partner?
58. Should couples have hobbies that they do separately?
59. What is your favorite way to relax with your partner?
60. How do you celebrate anniversaries or special occasions?