Break the Ice With These 48 Questions to Ask Your Father-in-Law

Kicking off conversations with your father-in-law can feel a bit daunting, but putting effort into your relationship pays off in the long run. Not only does it provide insights into his world, but it can also help you better understand your partner. We've compiled 48 questions to ask your father-in-law to help get the ball rolling on your relationship—which can only grow deeper from there.

From lighthearted questions that are easy to broach early in your relationship (or for when you want to keep the convo light) to deeper subjects that you can dive into down the road, we've got plenty of conversation topics for you to choose from.

Below, see our fave questions to ask your father-in-law that'll spark discussion with your partner's dad.

In this article:

• Things to Talk About With Your Father-in-Law
• Questions to Ask Your Father-in-Law About His Life
• Questions About Family History to Ask Your Father-in-Law
• Questions About Your Spouse to Ask Your Father-in-Law
• Advice-Related to Ask Your Father-in-Law
• Questions About Rituals & Traditions to Ask Your Father-in-Law
• General Questions to Ask Your Father-in-Law

Things to Talk About With Your Father-in-Law

Whether your father-in-law is a talkative guy or tends to keep things close to the vest, it's always worthwhile to initiate conversations and learn more about him. This small gesture can go miles for your relationship since it demonstrates you care about his opinions and life, and it can even open up the door for him to get to know you more, too.

Here are some conversation topics to consider discussing the next time you two hang out.

• Personal life
• Family history
• Your partner
• Advice
• Rituals and Traditions
• General discussions

Questions to Ask Your Father-in-Law About His Life

One of the best ways to get to know your father-in-law is to ask him about his own life. This topic can range from questions about personal hobbies to work accomplishments and beyond.

• Are there any accomplishments or milestones you're particularly proud of?
• What made you choose your current career path? Were there any notable junctures along the way?
• Does religion or spirituality play any role in your life?
• Are there any significant historical events you've lived through that have impacted you or changed the way you think?
• How has your perspective on life changed over the years?
• What is your favorite way to spend your free time when alone and when you're with other people?
• What do your retirement goals or dreams look like?
• Can you recall any turning points in your life that shaped who you are today?

Questions About Family History to Ask Your Father-in-Law

You can quickly learn more about your partner's family dynamics and get a general historical overview from your father-in-law.

• How did you and your partner meet?
• Are there any notable figures in your family's past?
• How would you say your extended family gets along with each other?
• What's something I should know about certain family dynamics?
• What are some of your most memorable family vacations or gatherings?
• How did you decide on your children's names?
• Where are you and your family originally from and how did you end up where you are?
• Are there any destinations or spots that are especially important or meaningful to your family?

Questions About Your Spouse to Ask Your Father-in-Law

You already know a lot about your partner—but your father-in-law can provide some deep insights into who they are, as well. From silly moments from your partner's childhood to deeper insights, your father-in-law is a veritable fountain of knowledge!

• What were the most important qualities you wanted to instill in my partner?
• What's something about my spouse that you've always been really proud of?
• Are there any quirks about my partner that make you laugh or wonder about them?
• What were some of the biggest challenges and biggest joys in raising my partner?
• Were there any funny phases my partner went through while growing up?
• Are there any funny or memorable stories from my spouse's childhood that stand out?
• How did your relationship with my spouse evolve once they hit their teenage years and adulthood?
• Do you have any hopes or dreams for my spouse's future and our life together?

Advice-Related to Ask Your Father-in-Law

Asking people for advice is the quickest way to earn their trust and respect. This flattering gesture demonstrates that you value their opinion and that you can learn from their expertise.

• What's the best piece of marriage advice you think everyone should follow?
• How do you recommend balancing work, personal life, and family?
• What's a life lesson you've learned that others could benefit from?
• How do you recommend handling important decisions or discussions as a family?
• What's your best advice on staying positive during challenging times?
• Do you have any financial planning wisdom you could share?
• What's your personal approach to working through the unexpected challenges that life throws your way?
• When it comes to goal-setting, how do you make sure you hit the marker?

Questions About Rituals & Traditions to Ask Your Father-in-Law

Rituals and traditions become such because they're important to people. Learning about your father-in-law's traditions can help you understand him more and allow you to continue them, which is often very meaningful to everyone involved.

• What traditions or values from your family did you carry into your own?
• What were some of your favorite holidays to celebrate, and how did your family celebrate together?
• Are there any cultural or religious traditions that have been important to our family?
• What are some fun or meaningful family traditions that you started with your own children?
• How does your family celebrate notable achievements, milestones and other life successes?
• Are there any special family recipes that have been handed down in our family?
• What did your bedtime routine for the kids look like?
• Are there any interesting family superstitions or beliefs that have been passed down from one generation to the next?

General Questions to Ask Your Father-in-Law

Keep things casual with your father-in-law by simply talking about life and the world. Here are some more generalist questions you can dive into with him.

• What book or movie that had the most impact on you?
• What are your thoughts on schooling and higher education?
• Do you consider yourself a sportsperson? What's your favorite sport to watch and/or play?
• What's your preferred way to communicate?
• In an ideal world, how often would you spend time with your children and their families?
• Do the arts play any role in your life?
• Do you like to stay informed about current events and world affairs? If so, how do you stay on top of it?
• What do you think is the key to a fulfilling and happy life?