Basically: be warm and attentive in whatever way feels natural, without assuming everyone communicates the same way. Not everyone makes eye contact, and that has nothing to do with how trustworthy or respectful they are, or how trustworthy you are.

The point is just treating people with basic kindness and recognising that people show and receive warmth differently. That's actually more inclusive and more genuinely reassuring than any specific behavior could be. Here are some ideas:

About life

• "What things do you enjoy?"

• "What's something you've learned recently that surprised you?"

• "Is there something you're passionate about or working on right now?"

About connection to your area

• "What's your favourite spot in the neighbourhood?"

• "Is there a tradition or practice that's important to you that you've been able to keep up here?"

Discovering shared interests without assumptions

• "Do you have any things you like to do in your spare time?"

• "Are there any skills you have that you'd be happy to share, or things you'd like to learn from others?"

• "What kind of food or cooking do you enjoy?"

About community and belonging

• "How do you usually spend time with people you care about?"

• "Are there any groups or communities you're part of around here?"

Practical and helpful

• "If you needed a favour or help with something, do you have people you could reach out to?"

• "Would you be interested in connecting with neighbours, or maybe exchanging contact info?"

Acknowledge different life stages

• "What's keeping you busy lately."

• "What are you managing right now? Anything on your mind?"

• "How are you settling in?" (works for longtime and new residents alike)