Do it together

Ten ideas

1. 1

   An old photo

   Choose a photo from years ago. Take turns saying who is in it, where it was and what happened that day.

   For example: Who took this picture at the beach? What did we eat that day?

2. 2

   Music and memories

   Put on a song you both know. Afterwards, talk about when you first heard it and what it brings back.

   For example: A song from a wedding or from school days: where were you, and who was there?

3. 3

   Finish the story

   One of you starts a story with one sentence. The other adds the next one. Keep going for a few turns.

   For example: A woman found a small key in her coat pocket. It was not hers...

4. 4

   Plan the day

   Talk through today or tomorrow together: what comes first, what to take and when to leave.

   For example: Post office first, then the market. What do we need from the market?

5. 5

   Name things together

   Pick a group of things. Take turns naming one each, with no timer, until you both run out.

   For example: Fruits: apple, plum, banana... Then things in a kitchen, or towns you have been to.

6. 6

   Five things on a short walk

   Walk at an easy pace, indoors or out, or sit by a window, and notice five things together.

   For example: A red door, a dog barking, the smell of bread, a round clock, a new bench.

7. 7

   Three good things

   At the end of the day, each of you names three good things from today, however small.

   For example: The tea was hot, a neighbor waved, we finished the crossword.

8. 8

   New uses for old things

   Pick an everyday object. Take turns thinking of other ways to use it. Every idea counts.

   For example: A wooden spoon: a drumstick, a plant label, a back scratcher.

9. 9

   A chain of questions

   Ask a question, then ask a new one about the answer. See where five questions take you.

   For example: Where did you live at ten? What was the street like? Who lived next door?

10. 10

    Teach me how

    Ask the other person to explain, one step at a time, how to make or do something they know well.

    For example: How do you make your soup? What goes in first, and how do you know it is ready?