It doesn’t hurt to ask…

As anyone who has ever had children (or been around young relatives, friends’ kids, or other tiny humans) knows, at a certain point they hit the “Why?” phase. Every single day becomes a whirlwind of “Why this?” and “Why that?”. And these questions are so disarmingly honest, so innocently unfiltered.  

Then, suddenly, that phase ends. We stop asking, stop questioning the world around us. Maybe it’s because we think we’ve seen it all, or perhaps it’s just that life gets so busy that we don’t have time to pause and wonder. We let life happen to us, instead of being an active, curious participant. We spend more time engaging with our gadgets, asking them where to park, how to roast the perfect chicken, or what the weather will be.  

But here’s the thing – we’re missing out! We lose the magic of human answers, the exquisite creativity of explanations (at times not so accurate or reliable!), and the way someone’s voice lights up when they share a story. Ask five people the same question and you’ll get five completely different answers, no matter the topic.

So, why not make life a little more fun by asking those random everyday questions again? Why not ask your neighbour why their balcony is always covered in plants, or your mother-in-law what makes her ragù sauce burst with so much flavour? Sometimes, one simple question can spark an entire conversation, a new friendship, or even a lifelong bond. Isn’t it a shame that the classic “Do you have the time?” has become so outdated in the age of smartphones? But hey, it’s never too late to reclaim the art of asking questions and engaging with others.
It’s good for the soul and a great way to feel more connected.  
Marco