TV presenter, podcaster, author, and entrepreneur, Flex Mami, encourages meaningful conversation and critical thinking (and lathering your skin in Face Hero every day). Hence the inception of her bestselling card game ReFlex.

So when we started to think about the onslaught of small talk that sometimes comes with rounding out the calendar year - y'know, catching up with your second cousins, assigned seating at work lunches - it felt fitting we turn to the queen of curiosity herself for some unique convo starters. 

For every “are you heading away over the holidays?”, hit them back with the below: 

WOULD YOU RATHER BE THE FIRST OR LAST TO KNOW ABOUT A ZOMBIE OUTBREAK?

“Nothing says holiday bonding more than tactical apocalypse planning. While I stress that there are no right or wrong answers when playing ReFlex, I confess, I have set up a trap in this one. Feel free to pressure your loved ones to really justify their approach. It'll tell you a lot about their relationship to mortality hehe.”

HAVE YOU WORKED HARDER TO IMPROVE YOUR INTELLIGENCE OR YOUR APPEARANCE?

“Shining a very necessary light on the labour required to be a hot and informed person. Lead the horses (your favourite people) to water (intentional conversation) and make them drink (compliment you).”

WHAT'S AN INCORRECT ASSUMPTION PEOPLE MAKE ABOUT YOU?

“Permission for you to set the record straight, reclaim your narrative, and ensure that people’s perception of you is accurate. Like an iPhone software update that you keep requesting a reminder for, what better time than the present.”

WHICH FAMOUS PERSON DO YOU THINK YOU COULD SEDUCE OR DATE?

“It might seem like all I want you to do is gloat, and you aren't wrong. The distinction between seduce and date is intentional – they require different strategies. Once someone has revealed their answer, follow up with their play-by-play and approach. We could all use the tips.”

WHAT ARE YOU ACTIVELY TRYING NOT TO CARE ABOUT?

“Tis the season to be loose, unshackled and uncoupled from life's pressing concerns. LET IT ALL HANG OUT FREELY!!!!!!!”