Questions to Ask a Dying Person
Sensitive, meaningful questions to help you connect with someone who is dying, honor their life, and create meaningful moments together.
1What are some of your favorite memories from your life?
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What are some of your favorite memories from your life?
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Why this works
Allows them to reflect on positive experiences and share meaningful moments, helping them feel valued and heard.
2What are you most proud of in your life?
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What are you most proud of in your life?
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Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share their achievements and what they consider their greatest accomplishments.
3What advice would you give to someone starting out in life?
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What advice would you give to someone starting out in life?
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Why this works
Allows them to share wisdom and feel that their life experience has value and meaning for others.
4What are some of the things you're grateful for?
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What are some of the things you're grateful for?
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Why this works
Helps them focus on positive aspects of their life and can bring comfort and peace during difficult times.
5What would you like people to remember about you?
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What would you like people to remember about you?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share how they want to be remembered and what legacy they hope to leave.
6What are some of your favorite stories from your life?
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What are some of your favorite stories from your life?
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Why this works
Allows them to share entertaining or meaningful stories that can bring joy and connection.
7What are some of the things you've learned about life?
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What are some of the things you've learned about life?
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Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share life lessons and wisdom they've gained through their experiences.
8What are some of your favorite places you've been?
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What are some of your favorite places you've been?
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Why this works
Allows them to reminisce about travel, experiences, and places that brought them joy or meaning.
9What are some of the things that have brought you the most joy?
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What are some of the things that have brought you the most joy?
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Why this works
Helps them focus on positive experiences and can bring comfort and happiness during difficult times.
10What are some of the things you've accomplished that you're most proud of?
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What are some of the things you've accomplished that you're most proud of?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to reflect on their achievements and feel proud of what they've accomplished.
11What are some of the things you've learned about love and relationships?
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What are some of the things you've learned about love and relationships?
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Why this works
Allows them to share wisdom about love and relationships, which can be meaningful and comforting.
12What are some of the things you've learned about friendship?
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What are some of the things you've learned about friendship?
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Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share insights about friendship and the importance of relationships.
13What are some of the things you've learned about family?
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What are some of the things you've learned about family?
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Why this works
Allows them to reflect on family relationships and share wisdom about the importance of family.
14What are some of the things you've learned about work and career?
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What are some of the things you've learned about work and career?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share professional wisdom and insights they've gained through their career.
15What are some of the things you've learned about overcoming challenges?
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What are some of the things you've learned about overcoming challenges?
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Why this works
Allows them to share resilience and wisdom about facing difficulties, which can be inspiring and meaningful.
16What are some of the things you've learned about happiness?
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What are some of the things you've learned about happiness?
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Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share insights about what brings happiness and fulfillment in life.
17What are some of the things you've learned about forgiveness?
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What are some of the things you've learned about forgiveness?
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Why this works
Allows them to reflect on forgiveness and share wisdom about letting go of grudges and finding peace.
18What are some of the things you've learned about gratitude?
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What are some of the things you've learned about gratitude?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share insights about gratitude and the importance of appreciating life's blessings.
19What are some of the things you've learned about courage?
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What are some of the things you've learned about courage?
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Why this works
Allows them to share wisdom about courage and facing fears, which can be inspiring and meaningful.
20What are some of the things you've learned about hope?
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What are some of the things you've learned about hope?
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Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share insights about hope and maintaining optimism even in difficult times.
Best Practices for Talking with Someone Who is Dying
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Listen with Your Heart
Focus on being present and listening deeply. Your presence and attention are more valuable than any words you can say.
Be Respectful of Their Energy
Pay attention to their energy levels and don't overwhelm them with too many questions. Let them guide the conversation.
Focus on Their Life, Not Their Death
Ask questions that celebrate their life, achievements, and wisdom rather than focusing on their illness or death.
Question Sequences
The Life Celebration
The Wisdom Sharing
Common Pitfalls
Don't Avoid Difficult Topics
While it's important to focus on positive aspects, don't avoid topics they want to discuss, even if they're difficult.
Avoid Being Overly Cheerful
Don't force positivity or try to cheer them up. Be authentic and allow them to express their true feelings.
Don't Make It About You
Focus on them and their experiences. This is their time to share and be heard, not yours to process your own feelings.