Dear Urban Diplomat: How do you start a conversation without asking “What do you do?”

Consider your conundrum a blessing from the conversation gods—i.e., a directive to come up with icebreakers other than the grievously overused “What do you do?” (which is also a passive-aggressive way of establishing socio­economic hierarchy in new settings, but let’s not get into that). Try current events, recently read books or, in a pinch, “How about those Jays?” If the endless talk of overpriced landscapers and peanut allergies is a snooze, politely excuse yourself and go chat with the lawyers.

Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com