Questions to Ask Someone Before They Die
Meaningful questions to ask someone who is dying to help them reflect on their life, share their wisdom, and create lasting memories together.
1What 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
Understanding their proudest moments helps them reflect on their achievements and what they value most.
2What advice would you give to your younger self?
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What advice would you give to your younger self?
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Why this works
Learning about their advice helps them share wisdom and insights they've gained throughout their life.
3What are your favorite memories from childhood?
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What are your favorite memories from childhood?
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Why this works
Exploring childhood memories helps them reconnect with joyful moments and share stories from their early years.
4What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?
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What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?
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Why this works
Understanding their life lessons helps them share the wisdom they've gained and what they want others to know.
5What are you most grateful for in your life?
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What are you most grateful for in your life?
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Why this works
Learning about their gratitude helps them focus on the positive aspects of their life and what they cherish most.
6What are your hopes and dreams for your loved ones?
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What are your hopes and dreams for your loved ones?
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Why this works
Understanding their hopes helps them share their wishes for their family and friends' futures.
7What are your favorite stories from your life that you'd like to share?
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What are your favorite stories from your life that you'd like to share?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite stories helps them share meaningful experiences and create lasting memories.
8What are the most important values you want to pass on to others?
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What are the most important values you want to pass on to others?
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Why this works
Understanding their values helps them share what they believe is most important in life and what they want others to remember.
9What are your favorite songs, books, or movies that have meant a lot to you?
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What are your favorite songs, books, or movies that have meant a lot to you?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite media helps them share what has brought them joy and comfort throughout their life.
10What are the most meaningful relationships in your life, and why?
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What are the most meaningful relationships in your life, and why?
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Why this works
Understanding their relationships helps them reflect on the people who have meant the most to them and why.
11What are your favorite places you've visited or lived?
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What are your favorite places you've visited or lived?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite places helps them share memories of special locations and experiences.
12What are the most important traditions or customs you want to preserve?
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What are the most important traditions or customs you want to preserve?
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Why this works
Understanding their traditions helps them share what cultural or family practices they value and want to continue.
13What are your favorite quotes or sayings that have guided you?
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What are your favorite quotes or sayings that have guided you?
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Why this works
Learning about their guiding quotes helps them share the wisdom that has influenced their life and decisions.
14What are the most important accomplishments you want to be remembered for?
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What are the most important accomplishments you want to be remembered for?
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Why this works
Understanding their accomplishments helps them reflect on what they want their legacy to be and how they want to be remembered.
15What are your favorite foods or meals that have special meaning to you?
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What are your favorite foods or meals that have special meaning to you?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite foods helps them share memories of special meals and family traditions.
16What are the most important decisions you've made in your life?
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What are the most important decisions you've made in your life?
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Why this works
Understanding their decisions helps them reflect on the choices that shaped their life and what they learned from them.
17What are your favorite holidays or celebrations, and why?
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What are your favorite holidays or celebrations, and why?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite celebrations helps them share what holidays and traditions have meant the most to them.
18What are the most important things you want your loved ones to know about you?
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What are the most important things you want your loved ones to know about you?
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Why this works
Understanding what they want to share helps them communicate important aspects of their life and personality.
19What are your favorite memories of your parents, grandparents, or other family members?
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What are your favorite memories of your parents, grandparents, or other family members?
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Why this works
Learning about their family memories helps them share stories about their ancestors and family history.
20What are the most important things you want to say to your loved ones?
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What are the most important things you want to say to your loved ones?
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Why this works
Understanding what they want to communicate helps them share their final thoughts and feelings with those they care about most.
Having Meaningful End-of-Life Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices for End-of-Life Conversations
Be Present and Patient
Give them time to respond and be fully present during the conversation, showing that you value their words.
Listen Without Judgment
Accept their responses without judgment and show appreciation for what they're sharing.
Respect Their Boundaries
If they don't want to discuss certain topics, respect their wishes and focus on what they're comfortable sharing.
Key Areas to Explore
Life Reflection
Relationships and Love
Legacy and Wishes
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't Rush the Conversation
Give them time to think and respond, and don't try to cover everything in one conversation.
Avoid Difficult or Painful Topics
Focus on positive memories and meaningful experiences rather than dwelling on regrets or painful moments.
Don't Make It About You
Keep the focus on them and their experiences, not on your own feelings or needs.