Can I ask you a ridiculously sensitive question?

Most of us are afraid to ask sensitive questions about money, sex, politics, etc

However new research shows this fear is largely unfounded. Most respondents report a similar comfort level and impression of the question-asker regardless of whether they asked sensitive questions or mundane ones, and sometimes, asking these more personal questions can actually improve relationships.

The truth is something that most researchers already know - it’s that hands down, our favourite topic of conversation is… you guessed it… ourselves.

According to one study, talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex. Simply put, self-disclosure is gratifying. It gives us a neurological buzz... So don’t worry about asking the question…but do think about how you ask it

HBR: The Case for Asking Sensitive Questions: by Einav Hart, Eric M. VanEpps, and Maurice Schweitzer

Psychology Today: Why We Love Talking About Ourselves. Samantha Boardman M.D.