Ask questions you don’t already know the answer to. That’s the line between curious and quizzing.

Questions you already hold the answer to are not really questions, they are moves in a contest about who is right. People can tell the difference almost immediately, from the way you wait, and once they spot it they start defending instead of thinking. Real curiosity gives up control of where the answer goes, which is why it gets you something new. The quiz keeps you safe and teaches you nothing.

In your next conversation, ask something where you cannot predict the reply. Resist correcting the answer. If you did want to make a point, make it as a statement and let them disagree with it.