It involves being social, which can be daunting when you are engaging with people you don’t know well. But you know that good relationships have to start somewhere. Whether you are on a first date or a job interview, being prepared to share something interesting about yourself is an excellent icebreaker. Knowing what to share about yourself is the hard part because we’re often not prepared when the situation arises. If you were to make a list of “fun facts about me,” what would you include?
How to Come Up with Interesting Facts About Yourself
You likely don’t spend a lot of your spare time thinking about yourself and interesting tidbits to share with others. But when you’re trying to get to know someone new, or you just want to keep the conversation going, it’s good to have some fun fact ideas top of mind. Here are some ways to come up with these ideas: If you’re having trouble thinking of enough fun facts to share about yourself, try some of the suggestions we’ve curated in this article. You never know what will start a long and enjoyable conversation — or a lifelong friendship.
List of 58 Examples of Fun Facts about Yourself to Tell Others
Use the following examples of fun facts about yourself to start a conversation or take one in a different direction. And don’t forget to invite your conversation partner to share fun facts about themselves.
1. “One of my favorite things to do is…. “
Whether it’s a hobby or just something you enjoy doing (for yourself or someone else), if it’s a favorite thing of yours, it says a lot about what matters to you. And if this is the first of more than one date, this is useful information for both of you to share.
2. “Right now, I’m reading about….”
Whether you’re a bookworm or are just determined to keep learning, your new conversation partner might want to know what you’re reading this week (or today, if you go through books more quickly than most). Maybe you’ll discover a shared favorite.
3. “If I could have any superpower, it would be….”
This isn’t a “DC vs. Marvel” question. Awesomeness isn’t exclusive to either camp, and adults in both can get along just fine. But superpowers are always a fun topic to discuss. What would you most like to be able to do better than most?
4. “One thing I know I do well (or better than most) is….”
Maybe you already have a superpower (or something like it). And whatever it is, you’re probably proud of it — if only secretly. Why not admit you’re good at it? And what do you most enjoy about this ability of yours? How have you developed it?
5. “I look up to….”
If there’s someone you admire and want to emulate, this is the person you want to mention here, along with a brief explanation as to why. What specific traits do you admire in them and want to cultivate in yourself? What have they done that impresses you most?
6. “One thing I cannot live without is….”
Name something you use every day — enough that you sometimes take it for granted. Maybe the thought of living without it makes you feel naked and vulnerable, even if being deprived of it wouldn’t actually kill you (not quickly, anyway). When was the last time you lived without it?
7. “Something I’d love to get rich by doing full-time is….”
If you were assured of earning more than enough, no matter what you did full-time, what would you do? Why would you do it and how would your life change? For extra credit, what could you do to earn at least some of your income doing what you love?
8. “The people I grew up with influenced me by….”
The people you grew up with shaped the person you are today. And if you don’t have siblings, that shaped you, too. What personal traits do you attribute to the people with whom you were closest growing up? What are you most grateful for?
9. “I would love to meet (and even have lunch with)….”
Name a celebrity whom you’d love to meet and even have a conversation with — over lunch or at least a beverage of choice. Or maybe you’d like to meet a dream mentor of yours and chat for half an hour or more. Whose face comes to mind?
10. “One struggle I’ve had that has made me who I am is….”
This can get personal in a hurry, so if you want to take a step back, you can also discuss a moment or experience that changed your life. Did anything crazy happen that challenged a belief about what was possible?
11. “My perfect day would start with _____ and end with _____.”
Maybe it starts with strong coffee and ends with a glass of Scotch. Or maybe the words you’ll put in those blanks are “sunrise” and “meditation.” Whatever. Go wild. Just try and keep it legal (and more or less socially acceptable).
12. “If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be….”
If you’re tempted to answer with “anywhere but here,” try to be more specific. Do you prefer beachy, tropical getaways or have you dreamt of touring Europe or Africa — or exploring New York City? Let your imagination lead.
13. “One thing on my bucket list is….”
Even if you haven’t actually written out a bucket list — i.e., things you want to do before you die — you probably have some ideas here. Maybe there’s something you’ve wanted to do but have put off for the time being.
14. “My best friend is my best friend because….”
How did you and your best friend meet, and why do you call them your best friend? What have you been through together? What have you done for each other? And how has their friendship changed you? Would you name a child after this person?
15. “An accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is….”
This doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Just think of a moment when you felt deep satisfaction over something you did or a challenge you faced. Think of something that scared you — until you did it. Is it something you’ve crossed off your bucket list?
16. “One very memorable summer, I….”
Think of a summer that stands out because of something that happened to you — or something you did — or someone you met. What was it about that summer that made it so memorable? Would you relive it if you could? 22 Funny Get To Know You Questions 27 Of The Best Small Talk Topics And Questions 15 Must-Know Signs of Deep Insecurity in a Woman
17. “One thing I use every day that I could probably live without is….”
Name something you use in your day-to-day life that you could probably live without. Maybe you don’t want to — or maybe you’d like to try living without it for a while? Have you thought of taking a break from gluten, for example? Or Netflix?
18. “The most embarrassing thing that happened to me at work was….”
Did something happen to you on a job that you can’t remember without cringing (or even feeling an involuntary shudder)? What was it, and what did you learn from it? Who was responsible? And has it changed anything? Has it changed you?
19. “I volunteer at….” or “If I were to volunteer, it would be for….”
And if you don’t currently volunteer, for what local causes would you consider volunteering? What causes inspire you? If you have volunteered — or if you currently volunteer somewhere — what do you do?
20. “My favorite comfort food is….”
If a food genie popped up and said, “Today, I’m cooking your favorite meals — from breakfast to dinner and dessert. Money is no object, and you can have people over for dinner if you like.” What’s on the menu, and whom would you invite?
21. “I’d most like to be remembered for….”
What would you like your loved ones to think of when they remember you? What do you want to accomplish that will outlast you in its impact? And whom will it benefit most? What would it say about your priorities or about your life’s purpose?
22. “If I won the lottery, the first thing I’d buy would be….”
Maybe you need a new car, or maybe you’ll just celebrate with a latté. Or maybe you’d call the realtor for that house you’ve been sighing over for the past month. What comes to mind first? And how many people would you tell?
23. “If I could make anything happen for someone, I would….”
Is there someone in your life who needs help with a difficult problem? If you could make anything happen for them to instantly improve their life or open a door for them, what would that be? And would you want them to know you were behind it?
24. “If I could keep any animal as a pet, I would choose…”
Maybe you’re a self-described dog person or cat person, or maybe you’d rescue any animal that needed a home. But if you can think of an animal you’d love to have in your home — to share your space and to spend time with — what would it be? And if you already keep a boa constrictor or a large, aggressive dog in your home — and you’ve always wanted a pet monkey — these would be interesting facts for anyone who might want to come over.
25. “If I could win a lifetime supply of one type of clothing, it would be…”
This could be anything you wear — from your favorite type of underwear or your favorite socks to a sweater or t-shirt with just the right cut and shape. Maybe it’s your jeans because no other brand or style fits you as well as the ones you’re wearing. Whatever it is, if you could never run out of new pieces, what would you want that to be?
26. “If I had to eat one type of food for the rest of my life, it would be…”
This could be breakfast food, sandwiches, Indian food, pizza, etc. What type of food comes to mind that you could see yourself eating every single day for the rest of your life? In the case of breakfast food, for example, it doesn’t have to be the exact same thing every day, but it has to fit in that category. Same goes for any ethnic food category (Korean, Italian, Mexican, etc.).
27. “My dream home would be…”
Maybe you dream of living in an elaborate “tree mansion” designed with echoes of Rivendell or Lothlórien. Or maybe you imagine yourself living in a spaceship or in a flying RV with a cloaking shield. Maybe you just want a nice apartment in Manhattan. What fun and interesting facts about yourself would help answer this question. Don’t limit yourself to what sounds realistic. And don’t settle for what you can afford right now.
28. “If I had to be trapped in a movie or a video game for a day, it would be…”
Ever wanted to be part of the cast for Jumanji — or to jump into your favorite video game or RPG to make things happen? If you had to be stuck in a movie or video game for a day, which fabricated world appeals to you most? This would be your reality for a full 24 hours. So, if you could choose, where would you go?
29. “My favorite type of art is… because….”
Whether it’s abstract paintings, scrap metal sculpture, or something else, what art would you buy for your home if you could afford it? What artist would grace your walls (if you’re leaning toward paintings or drawings)? Or of whose art would you pay to see more? If you can’t think of a specific artist, that’s okay. Think of the kind of art you’d put on your own walls or end tables to decorate your space. What do you picture?
Funny Fun Facts about Yourself
If you’re looking for some funny things to tell about yourself — things that don’t make you look too weird or crazy — we’ve got you covered. Consider some of the following ideas:
30. “My most embarrassing moment was…”
We all have them. And unless you were arrested or caught running through the woods naked, you likely have a couple of embarrassing moments you wouldn’t mind sharing. Telling a story about an embarrassing moment is a great icebreaker and is sure to generate some laughs.
31. “I know it’s crazy, but I love to eat…”
Pickled pigs feet? Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches? Pizza for breakfast? If food happens to be the topic of discussion, throw in one of your favorite but strange food preferences. You may get some cringes, a few laughs, and perhaps someone outdoing you with an equally weird or disgusting food love.
32. “When I was growing up, my parents made me…”
Parents do the darnedest things, and sometimes the things your mom and dad made you do when you were young are truly confounding now that you’re an adult. Share something funny that your parents made you do as part of their rules, a family ritual, or a get-together with relatives.
33. “As a kid, I once did this really stupid thing, and it was…”
Jumping off the roof? Hiding in the dryer? Seeing if the lighter would ignite the cat’s fur? What is something you did as a kid (and survived relatively unscathed) that you now see as pretty hysterical. Once you tell your story, others are bound to tell you their crazy kid shenanigans.
34. “I can’t stand it when. . .”
Are particularly persnickety about certain things other people do, like slurping their coffee or clearing their throats? Or maybe you have some slightly OCD behaviors yourself that might make others giggle. You wear your underwear inside out because you hate the tag in back, or you still refuse to step on a crack (even though you can vouch for the safety of your mother’s back). Share some of your goofy-isms for some good-natured, funny reactions.
35. “Before I started my career, would you believe I was a…”
Maybe you were a clown, a toilet paper tester, or work for the Tiger King. Whatever craziness you were up to, it makes for a great story. If you once had one of those jobs that people exclaim, “You’ve got to be kidding me?!” when they hear about it, then you might be a source of entertainment for hours.
36. “Have I told you about my crazy Uncle Joe?”
Or whatever relative in your family who seems to be the subject of wide-eyed, laughter-filled stories. We all have that one (or several) wackadoodle relative whose past behaviors are so off the charts that they’re almost unbelievable. Who would guess that upstanding, law-abiding, competent you would have a relative who did that?
Good Secrets to Tell about Yourself
Perhaps the funny things above are secrets that you haven’t spilled before, but we all have secret longings, fears, and dreams as well. If you’re looking for something interesting to say, here are some safe secrets you might want to share to let others know more about you.
37. “Instead of the job I have, I’ve always dreamed of being. . .”
If you’re several years into a career, you may not have allowed yourself to articulate your secret desire to do something different. This is especially true if what you really want to do seems unrealistic, silly, or not reflective of who you appear to be. (Accountant to rockstar?) But sharing this secret dream will give others a deeper insight into who you are and what you feel passionate about.
38. “Not many people know this about me, but when I was younger, I…”
When you start a sentence with, “”Not many people know this about me,” you’ve immediately got the attention of the room. Everyone wants to know something others don’t know. What is the secret thing you did when you were younger that gives a glimpse into your mindset back in the day? Or your mindset now?
39. “One thing I’m very afraid of is…”
What type of horror movie scares you the most? Or what nightmare scenario would keep you up at night, sitting in the corner with a flashlight and your weapon of choice? Maybe you have a lifelong fear of spiders and imagine an apocalyptic scenario where the spawn of Shelob is taking over the planet. That’d do it for me. Or maybe you’re afraid of something completely different — and closer to reality. How would you finish the sentence?
40. “When I was a teenager, I never told my parents that I…”
Oh, we all have a few of these secrets, don’t we? And some of them would make your parents flip their lids — even today. As long as your parents aren’t in the room when telling this secret, it’s sure to provide some gasps and entertainment for those listening. And you can finally get rid of that guilty conscience!
41. “If I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn’t…”
This can be a tricky one because you don’t want to offend anyone in the room or have something get back to a person you’re close to (ie: “I probably wouldn’t get married.”) But there are likely some choices in your life that you’d like to claim a do-over on — some that aren’t too controversial. Maybe you wouldn’t have moved to a particular city or attended the university you graduated from.
Interesting Things About Me
42. “One of my favorite life hacks is ….”
Maybe you’ve learned unusual hacks for removing stubborn stains. Or you know how to turn a single meal into three different dinner menus to avoid waste. Whatever hacks you’ve learned to make your life easier or more fun, others can probably benefit from knowing them, too. So, share away. Who knows what hacks you’ll learn in exchange. Time-saving and money-saving tips and tricks are meant to be passed on and enjoyed — not kept secret.
43. “If I could go back in time, I would change _______ so that ______.”
Most people would love a chance to go back in time and change at least one little thing in the hope that it would create a better outcome. It’s probably good that we can’t, but that doesn’t stop us from wishing. Humans are great at making mistakes. And even when we learn from them, it’s hard not to want to go back and fix it — if not for our benefit then for someone else’s. So, is there anything you’d like to change if you could?
44. “If I could get paid to blog about anything, I’d write about…”
If you could earn plenty of money keeping a blog on the subject/s of your choice, what would you write about? How much time would you want to spend each week working on this blog? What could you easily spend hours a day writing about? If you don’t already have a blog of your own, have you considered starting one, just so you can write about those topics? What would you need to get started?
45. “If I could download a how-to book directly into my brain, it would be for… “
Maybe you wish someone could just download a course on “How to Be a Functonal Parent” directly into your brain — just like on the Matrix when Neo learned Kung Fu in seconds. How sweet would it be if you could learn something essential to your life and/or chosen career (writing computer code? building a bookshelf?) in less than the time it would take to drink your morning coffee? So, what would you want to learn?
46. “If I had to leave my native country, I would go to ______ because _____.”
What if you had to leave the country you’ve always lived in — if it was no longer safe for you and your family to stay? Where would you go? Is there a country that immediately comes to mind? Or would you become a refugee, traveling through one country after another, hoping for a welcome from one of them? What would you be willing to do to survive and to keep your loved ones safe?
47. “One thing I wish I’d learned before I left home is… “
Whether it’s life skills in general or something more specific — like budgeting or cooking for yourself — most of us can think of something we wish we’d learned before we started living on our own. Think of something you had to learn on your own that others your age seemed to already know how to do. Did they give you any grief over it? Maybe it’s something you wish you’d known but that no one around you could teach. Because they hadn’t learned it, either
48. “A TV series I’ve watched all the way through more than once is…”
What shows come to mind whenever someone asks you, “What series should I watch, now that I’m done with ______?” What show is so good, you’ve seen it more than once — and some episodes maybe three times or more? Is it a fairly new show or something you remember watching years ago that you’ve only recently revisited? And why do you love it so much? Who are your favorite characters? Pick something you wish you could forget and then rediscover as you watch it again.
49. “The last time I made a fool of myself, I learned…”
Think of a time you said or did something that backfired in a big way. Whether it cost you a friend or just made you the butt of a joke for years afterward, what did you learn from it that you might not have learned otherwise? If you don’t want to get into specifics, you’re welcome to generalize. And if someone asks for details, share them at your own discretion. Your rep may not be the only one at stake.
50. “If I could have the world’s best collection of something, it would be…”
Are you a collector? And by that, I mean, do you allocate a significant amount of money and time to building a collection of something that has meaning for you? Maybe you already collect something — geodes, Star Wars figures, porcelain dolls…. Or maybe you don’t. But if you could collect something, what would it be, and why? What would you willingly surround yourself with? And would you show them off to everyone who came to visit?
51. “If I get to choose my next life, I want to be…”
What would you want to be in a different life and as a different person? Maybe you want to experience life as someone of a different gender. Or maybe you want to come back as a cat — or as a dragon. Assuming you won’t consciously remember the life you’re living now, is there something you want to experience that you can’t experience in your current form? And would your new life be on the same planet or somewhere else in the universe?
52. “My hidden talents and skills are…”
Maybe you can play the harmonica or do a backflip. Or perhaps you are really great with animals or know how to cook traditional Moroccan food. All of us have talents or skills we don’t talk about much. Often these are talents that we take for granted or assume others wouldn’t find very interesting. But you’d be surprised at how your set of hidden abilities can impress others. After all, not everyone can make a dog stop barking on command or whip up a dish of Tagine.
53. “If I could do anything, my dream job would be…”
The career world was your oyster when you were a kid. Nothing was stopping you from being a teacher, doctor, movie star, or whatever job seemed intriguing to you. Life, education, and luck (or lack thereof) led you to a career that might not be the job of your dreams. But we’re sure you’ve pondered what you would do if – if you could go back and do it again. If you had the talent or skill. If you didn’t have to worry about money. What is the job you’d be proud to tell your little kid self that you are doing now?
54. “My dreamiest dream vacation is…”
If money were no object, and you could go on the vacation of your dreams, consider what it would be.
Where would you go — just one place or many? How long would you stay? A week, a month, several months? What would you do? Relax, have adventures, see historical sites, go to galleries, shop? Or several of those? Who would you go with? Your partner, child, friend, or parent?
Think about all of the details of the perfect vacation that would be life-changing and memorable.
55. “My biggest fear of all is…”
We’re all scared of something — usually many things. But often, there’s that one creeping fear or anxiety that keeps us up at night and causes us to worry during the day. You might have a phobia of something — like getting on a plane, a fear of heights, or encountering a snake. Perhaps clowns make you run away screaming, or just the idea of public speaking soaks you in sweat. Some fears aren’t situational but just linger around us like a bad rash. You may constantly worry about getting a dire disease or dying. Whatever your particular fear happens to be, admitting it and even discussing it with a trusted friend can help you feel better about it.
56. “My secret guilty pleasure is…”
A guilty pleasure is something love but know you shouldn’t do because it’s bad for you, slightly wicked, or a bit embarrassing. You don’t need to share all of your guilty pleasures, but some might be worth admitting just for the fun of discovering that others imbibe too! Do you sneak down for ice cream at midnight when you get the munchies? Maybe you binge-watch a trashy Netflix series or have a second glass of wine while taking a bath.
57. “The season I love most is…”
Everyone has their season – the one that makes them come alive and feel excited. Or the season triggers good memories or allows for special activities, indoors or out, that you enjoy. Spring is often a favorite time because it marks a new beginning as trees start to bud and flowers bloom. But what can beat summer with the warm weather, days at the beach, and long, lazy days? Autumn is awesome as the warm days start to turn cool again, the leaves turn their glorious colors, and you get to pull out your sweaters. And, of course, winter brings that warm and snuggly feeling with the holiday season and time with friends and family.
58. “I could watch this movie a hundred times…”
You have that one movie you just can’t get enough of. Maybe it’s a tradition, like watching The Wizard of Oz or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas every year. Perhaps you love a movie because it’s so well-crafted that you appreciate the art form and never tire of it. Or the movie speaks deeply to some part of you and your life experiences. Whatever the reason, your movie is special because it means something special to you. Talking about it with others is sure to spark an interesting conversation.
Fun Interesting Things About Yourself Not to Say in an Interview
We know you’re a fascinating person with a life full of experiences and relationships. But the topics you’d share with your friends and family aren’t necessarily what you should share in a job interview. A potential boss mind find your guilty pleasure relatable, but throwing it out there isn’t likely to get you the job. Here are some fun facts about you that you want to avoid in an interview:
How Much You Hated Your Last Boss
Really? You won’t win many points with a new boss if you’re throwing shade at the last one. Keep it classy, even if you couldn’t stand the past manager.
The State of Your Love Life
There’s no place in an interview for stories or shared information about you latest or previous relationships. When the interviewer asks you about yourself, they don’t need to know you’re looking for a new job to get away from your ex who still works at the old one. These kind of comments can be a red flag suggesting that you might not fit into the culture of the organisation.
Your Financial Situation
Whether it’s good or bad, the state of your finances isn’t an appropriate topic for an interview. They don’t need to know you had to borrow money for an Uber to get to the interview. Nor do you need to wear your Manolo Blahnik pumps to scream how in the green you are.
Politics or Religion
These topics are dangerous enough around the family dinner table. Why would you want to jeopardize a potential job offer by making an offhand comment, however innocent, that might offend the person interviewing you?
Your Family Plans
An interviewer can’t ask you whether or not you plan to get pregnant or your relationship status, but you may find yourself letting it slip. Times have changed, but not so much that some employers may still view your future plans as a liability. Even if they don’t, you don’t need to tell personal information to a stranger.
Anything Potentially Controversial
You don’t need to share any legal situations, possibly strange hobbies, or past improprieties in an interview. Just don’t let them slip. Keep it professional and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Even if you’re hired, most of these topics should stay out of the workplace altogether.
Bonus: How to Answer, “What Are 3 Fun Facts About Yourself?”
Don’t get stumped with this question, either with friends or in an interview. Prepare in advance with some interesting but relevant topics that might make you a more desirable candidate. Here are some ideas to consider:
Share a skill that shows your tenacity or intelligence, such as speaking another language or completing a marathon.
Discuss a volunteer project or passion project that reveals your compassion or desire to help others.
Bring up a course you are taking or took in the past that shows you are interested in learning and improving yourself.
Mention a team sport you play or once played and discuss how valuable teamwork is and how much you learned.
Share your love of reading and the genres you find fascinating.
When coming up with your three fun facts about yourself, consider the audience and the setting. For an interview, think of facts that reinforce you are a good candidate for the job.
Share some fun facts about yourself.
So, now that you’re armed with 58 examples of fun facts about yourself, which ones appeal to you the most? Did any get you thinking about how to generate even more fun facts you can share with others? Or maybe you’re thinking of making conversation cards that ask “fun facts about me” questions. After all, you don’t want to be the bearer of cheesy pick-up lines or stale one-liners. These prompts remind you to relax and just be you. The folks worth hanging out with will appreciate your authenticity and look forward to learning more about you. Wherever you go, any of these prompts can serve as a conversation starter. And a fun conversation can lead to friendships, job opportunities, and other adventures. May you have them all in abundance.
