Just today, I have returned from my hometown. Last week, I met my schoolmate after 17 years! After conversations about job and family, he asked me who my crush was in the school. This opened up so many topics (friends, teachers, fights etc) that we kept talking for more than an hour. In the same spirit, can you talk about your crushes (past and present) with your friends, and ask about theirs? Also, the proposals that you got or you made? Any good date experience? (considering you mention them as your close friends).

Also, not everyone is interested in socio-political-economic issues. In case, a topic is close to them or to you, you can start talking about that and seek their opinion.

It is to be noted that some people don't elaborate on being asked a general question. They need to be asked specific questions. For example, I have one friend who when asks me how I am doing, I mention things in detail from the time we had last interacted. But when I ask him how he has been doing, he just says 'good good'. So I ask him specifically about his job, family, dating life, movies, exercise regimen etc. This, while maintaining that I don't invade his privacy. If he doesn't reply once or changes the topic, I take the hint.

Also, during lockdown, Netflix and Prime have released browser extensions (Party) through which multiple people can watch a movie together through their respective accounts. I do this with a couple of friends. You could do the same with your friends, if they are not much of a talker and just want to hang out together. The Party extensions also have in-built chat options, which we use to talk about particular scenes or actors while watching movies. I find it a good way to connect with friends. (Also, in general, you could talk about movies or tv series. Invariably, it leads to discussions about behaviour patterns and social issues.)

Lastly, sharing pics of new things bought (clothing or small furniture etc) or special meals eaten can be fun and connecting too.

Just today, I have returned from my hometown. Last week, I met my schoolmate after 17 years! After conversations about job and family, he asked me who my crush was in the school. This opened up so many topics (friends, teachers, fights etc) that we kept talking for more than an hour. In the same spirit, can you talk about your crushes (past and present) with your friends, and ask about theirs? Also, the proposals that you got or you made? Any good date experience? (considering you mention them as your close friends).

Also, not everyone is interested in socio-political-economic issues. In case, a topic is close to them or to you, you can start talking about that and seek their opinion.

It is to be noted that some people don't elaborate on being asked a general question. They need to be asked specific questions. For example, I have one friend who when asks me how I am doing, I mention things in detail from the time we had last interacted. But when I ask him how he has been doing, he just says 'good good'. So I ask him specifically about his job, family, dating life, movies, exercise regimen etc. This, while maintaining that I don't invade his privacy. If he doesn't reply once or changes the topic, I take the hint.

Also, during lockdown, Netflix and Prime have released browser extensions (Party) through which multiple people can watch a movie together through their respective accounts. I do this with a couple of friends. You could do the same with your friends, if they are not much of a talker and just want to hang out together. The Party extensions also have in-built chat options, which we use to talk about particular scenes or actors while watching movies. I find it a good way to connect with friends. (Also, in general, you could talk about movies or tv series or novels. Invariably, it leads to discussions about behaviour patterns and social issues.)

If the subjects you guys are studying have discussion potential, don't miss out that either.

Lastly, sharing pics of new things bought (clothing or small furniture etc) or special meals eaten can get people to talking too.