Examples of Open-Ended Questions
Daily Life & Emotions
“What’s been on your mind today?”
“How do you feel about what’s happening at work/school/life right now?”
“What’s something that made you smile today?”
Hopes & Dreams
“What’s a goal you’re working toward that excites you?”
“What’s something you’ve always wanted to try, and what’s stopping you?”
“If we could plan the perfect day together, what would it look like?”
Relationship & Connection
“What’s something you’d like us to do more of as a couple?”
“What’s one way I can better support you right now?”
“What do you think is one of our greatest strengths as a team?”
Personal Growth & Reflection
“What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?”
“What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing this year?”
“What’s something you’d like to improve about yourself or our relationship?”
Asking open-ended questions is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate deeper emotional
connection, curiosity, and intimacy in your relationship.
Adapted from a book by John and Julie Gottman
Dr.Baya Mebarek, Psy.D.,LMFT
Baya Mebarek, Psy.D., LMFT
Baya Mebarek, Psy.D., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping couples strengthen their relationships. Based in San Diego and providing online therapy throughout California, she specializes in couples therapy, marriage counseling, premarital counseling, affair recovery, communication and conflict, emotional disconnection, and rebuilding trust. Her integrative approach draws on research-based relationship strategies, attachment-informed therapy, and a deep understanding of the emotional patterns that can leave couples feeling hurt, misunderstood, or disconnected.
