Vikram Hardatt

Fourth-year undergraduate, University of Waterloo, Ontario

“When did you last sing? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s? If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? This app offers 36 questions proven to stimulate conversation between two people and bring them closer together. It solves the problem of “small talk” between new or even long-term partners and helps you know each other (and yourself) on a deeper level. This app is what happens when scientists research how love works. It’s not just for Valentine’s Day.”

Useful?
Great for when you run out of things to talk about or want to learn more about each other. I think I knew my girlfriend pretty well beforehand, but now I know her even better. Our conversation led to stories about our families and friends growing up, how different parenting styles have shaped us, and what life was like when we had less freedom as a child vs. being a young adult now.

Fun?
I ended up talking to my partner for over an hour longer than we’d planned. Besides asking questions, we also tried to answer for the other person. For example, I tried to guess what her perfect day would be like (I guessed everything, minus a bubble bath!). I talked about my interest in superhero television shows and movies, and she gave me a look when I admitted to a small crush on the Supergirl actress! But then I learned about all the actors she has a crush on and now know what movies to avoid. (Just kidding… sort of.)

Effective?
These questions really made me think about my life from an unconventional perspective. This app reinforced that life isn’t forever, and to cherish the people that you have with you, and the small moments, celebrate the big ones, and learn from the bad ones. Every day you get to be a part of other people’s story and have a positive impact on their lives.

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