One of my all-time favorite ways to launch a conversation in a business or social setting and get to know someone is to ask one of the many iterations of What keeps you busy? It is an excellent query that does not pigeonhole others based on what they do for a living, if they are married, or if they have children. No labels; instead, sincere interest in how she spends her time, allowing for numerous directions in conversation. Your conversation partner discloses whatever she chooses.
