Relationship Research

by Science of People

I’m so grateful for you! My name is Vanessa Van Edwards and I’m working on a book about conversation. I would love to explore how you feel about connecting through conversation. Would you mind filling out the following survey? It should take less than 10 minutes (7 if you’re fast!) and I would so appreciate it! And of course, all answers will be kept private and confidential - we do not even ask for your name or email in this survey. Thank you!

How do you socially identify?

Introvert: You recharge by being alone and don’t typically enjoy socializing.

Ambivert: You need recharge time alone, but like to be around the right kind of people.

Extrovert: You recharge by being with others and love socializing with others.

How often do you have great conversations?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Never

How often do you have awkward conversations?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Never

How many close relationships do you have?

None

3-5

6-10

More than 10

Who do you have difficult conversations with?

I don’t have many difficult conversations

Partner

Friends

Colleagues

Boss

Family Members

Strangers & Acquaintances

Other

What are your most difficult conversations about?

Money

Roles and responsibilities

I don’t have many difficult conversations

Planning and scheduling

Setting boundaries

Preferences and Opinions

Other

What makes you feel the most uncomfortable in conversations?

Me accidentally oversharing

Awkward silences

The other person oversharing

Bad or boring questions

Not knowing what to say

Too personal questions

Not enough questions

Other

What do you think prevents you from having great conversations?

Distractions: Being distracted by technology or other interruptions.

Fear of Judgment: Worrying about being judged or criticized.

Social anxiety

Don’t know what to say or what to ask

Lack of Confidence: Not feeling confident in expressing thoughts or opinions.

Shallow or surface relationships

I don’t interact with enough people

I’m not that interested in having great conversations

Other

What makes for a good conversation?

Asking great questions

Mutual sharing

Being with a great listener

Being a great listener

Getting asked great questions

Being authentic

Sharing vulnerabilities

Other

Which is most true for you when it comes to connecting with others?

It’s hard to open up and be vulnerable

I often feel misunderstood

I often feel lonely

I wish I could have more deep and fulfilling conversations

I often get trapped in boring small talk

Other

In which country do you currently reside?

What is your age?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

What is your current occupation or profession?

Skilled Trades (e.g., electrician, plumber, carpenter)

Legal (e.g., lawyer, paralegal)

Transportation and Logistics (e.g., driver, logistics coordinator)

Entrepreneur or Self-Employed

Arts and Entertainment (e.g., artist, musician, actor)

Information Technology (e.g., software developer, IT support)

Healthcare (e.g., doctor, nurse, therapist)

Sales and Marketing (e.g., sales representative, PR)

Retail (e.g., cashier, store manager)

Manager or Leader

Education (e.g., teacher, professor, administrator)

Hospitality and Food Service (e.g., chef, hotel manager)

Finance (e.g., accountant, banker, financial analyst)

Government and Public Administration

Science and Research (e.g., scientist, researcher)

Engineer (e.g., civil engineer, mechanical engineer)

Other

What is your annual income range?

Under $50,000

$50,000-$99,999

$100,000-$250,000

$250,000-$999,999

$1,000,000+

What is your current relationship status?

Single

In a relationship

Married

Divorced

Widowed

Prefer not to say