The situation is familiar: you joined a video chat, the interlocutor on the other side of the screen looks friendly and open, and you want to start a conversation. But here's the problem - what to ask so as not to offend, not to cause awkwardness or discomfort? It is difficult to find a clear answer to this question, because each person is unique with their own boundaries of personal space and a certain level of comfort. However, there is a universal list of questions that, as a rule, are best avoided.
First of all, these are questions related to the personal life of the interlocutor. It doesn't matter what the context of communication is - formal or informal, but questions about age, marital status, children, financial situation and others are considered a violation of privacy. Another category is the so-called "hot" topics, such as religion, politics, sexual orientation. Discussing such issues can cause disputes and conflicts.
In addition, questions aimed at belittling the interlocutor's self-esteem or designed to make him feel awkward will be inappropriate. For example, "Why do you have such a strange smile?" or "Do you always talk so much?" This is not just bad form, it can negatively affect the person's well-being and create a barrier between you.
So what to ask? It is best to ask questions that will allow your interlocutor to talk about himself. "What are your hobbies?", "How was your day?", "What music do you prefer?" This will allow you to learn more about the person's personality, his interests and ideas, and will make communication more comfortable and enjoyable. Communication should be enjoyable for both parties, and respect for the privacy of the interlocutor is the key to a successful dialogue.