ABCD
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Group 1: Personal History & Identity.
These questions help you explore family, upbringing, heritage, and formative life experiences.
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What country outside of the United States are you most connected to?
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What picture, smell, or event reminds you of your childhood?
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Do you feel your childhood was happier or less happy than most other people’s? Why?
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What is a valuable characteristic you've gotten from your parents or other family members?
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In what ways are your parents or family members proud of where you are in life?
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How do your ancestors show up in your life?
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How did you get your name? Is there some meaning to it, or connection to family history?
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Do you believe you would be a good parent? Why or why not?
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What’s one of the most physically painful things that ever happened to you?
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If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
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Who do you consider as a role model? Why?
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What is one of your favorite unimportant things about you?
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What was the worst job you ever had?
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What is one of your most treasured memories?
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What was your least/most favorite food as a child? How about now?
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What is the greatest accomplishment of your life so far?
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Group 2: Values, Beliefs & Aspirations.
These questions dig deeper into philosophical reflection, self-improvement, goals, and personal worldview.
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If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
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If you died today, is there something you would regret not having done?
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Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
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What would you do if you had no fear?
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What is the title of the current chapter of your life? What would you like the chapter title to be for the next five years?
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What crossroads are you at?
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What scares you the most about growing old?
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What do you value most in a friendship?
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If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
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Is there something you said yes to in the past that you no longer really believe in?
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What advice would you give your much younger self?
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If you could choose to have more time or more money (but not both), which would you choose? Why?
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If you were granted a wish to successfully publish a book, what kind of book would it be?
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If you were independently wealthy and didn't have to work, what would you do with your time?
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Would you like to be famous? In what way?
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Group 3: Lifestyle, Interests & Experiences
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What is your favorite restaurant?
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If money and time were no problem, what would be your ideal vacation?
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What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
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Describe the best class you've had so far. What made it great for you?
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What are the most useful apps you use on your phone?
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What is one of your favorite books you've read or movies you've seen?
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What is one of the favorite or most memorable gifts or experiences you've ever given someone else?
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Focused on what people enjoy, how they spend their time, and what they’re curious or passionate about.
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What is something about you that even some of your friends don't know?
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If you could have a superpower of flying or of being invisible, which would you choose?
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What is the closest you've been to somebody famous?
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Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
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If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would you choose?
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If you could eat only one color of food for the rest of your life, what color would you choose?
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If you were limited to the same meal for lunch for the next three months, what would it be?
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What would be your favorite appetizer to order at a restaurant?
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Connection, Community & Self-Awareness
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A non-profit gives you $30K to give away—what do you do with it?
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If you died today, is there something you would regret not having done? (also fits in Group 2)
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For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
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What is one of the best pieces of advice you've been given?
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What do you value most in a friendship?
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Find three things you have in common with your partner / group members
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Can you be yourself where you are and still fit in?
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These are socially and emotionally intelligent questions aimed at increasing connection, empathy, and awareness.
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Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
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