365 Squarey Monsters: The secret to a great conversation

Sunday, August 23, 2026

The secret to a great conversation

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How to Keep a Conversation Going

You’ve worked up the courage to cross the room, introduce yourself, and trade a few pleasantries. Then the conversation sputters, and your mind starts racing for something to say next. The key is to remember that a good conversation runs on two things: better questions and closer listening.

👉 A few tricks for keeping any conversation alive

A Reminder to Look Up

Last week’s Celebrations Pulse about starting conversations prompted my friend Dr. Dale Atkins, a psychologist and author, to share an observation: Airports used to be places where waiting turned into conversation. Today, those same minutes tend to disappear into our phones. Her advice is simple: Look up, notice who’s around you, and start a conversation.

👉 Read Dale’s essay — and look up the next time you’re waiting

Red Roses & Little White Lies

In the early days of the flower shop, a customer who forgot his wife’s birthday asked us to deliver flowers a day late — and take the blame. We agreed. It taught me that we weren’t just delivering flowers but helping people take care of important relationships

👉 Read why we took the blame for a forgotten birthday

For years, psychologist Dr. James Ellis noticed that patients with strong social connections often did better than those without them. That insight changed the way he practiced. In this week’s Celebrate Your Story , we explore why relationships are essential to our health, why friendships require more attention as we age, and why it’s OK to be the person who always makes the call. Listen to our conversation about why we need each other.

What if living longer isn’t the goal — but living better is? In the third installment of Power & Impact’s Leadership Lessons, we explore the longevity playbook, from sleep, stress, and lifestyle medicine to relationships, purpose, and the Blue Zones. Because adding years isn’t enough. The goal is to make those years healthier, more connected, and more meaningful. Listen to The Longevity Playbook.