The Ultimate 140 Ehara matou i te Tino Tauhou (+Tikiake Kore)

We are Not Really Strangers is a game of reconnection to ring up an emotional game night or play with your loved ones to deepen your relationship, and we've got the full list for you to use for FREE below!

This is a well-crafted three-level game that covers all aspects of dating, couples, self-love, friendship, and family. Enjoy the journey of deepening your connections!

TL; DR

• The "We're Not Really Strangers" (WNRS) game is not just a deck of questions; it creates meaningful experiences for deeper conversations and strong bonds. 
• The brainchild of WNRS is Koreen Odiney, a Los Angeles-based model and artist who desires to create authentic and genuine connections. 
• The game structure with 3-level questions, including Perception, Connection, and Reflection. There are many additional editions or expansion packs to cater to specific relationships, such as couples, family, or friends. 
• The science behind WNRS questions is related to making the right questions and psychological principles like Emotional Intelligence (EQ), social anxiety, and mental health.  
• Access the WNRS questions free version or physical deck cards on the brand's official website, other 3rd party sellers or online marketplaces. 

Ripanga o Ihirangi

What is "We're Not Really Strangers"?

In the world of various light conversations, the We're Not Really Strangers game stands out as a journey into deep connections. It doesn't reshape how we play games, but redefines fine how we connect with others and ourselves. 

So, what is its origin and concept?

The creator of WNRS is Koreen Odiney, a model and artist in Los Angeles. The phrase "We're Not Really Strangers" came from a stranger encountered during her photography sessions. The card game then was born out of her passion for breaking down barriers and sparking meaningful connections. 

The game includes various thought-provoking questions at 3 progressive levels: Perception, Connection, and Reflection. There are some special editions or expansion packs such as couples, family, and friendship for a greater experience of intimacy. 

Why is WNRS more than just a Card Game? 

Instead of focusing on competition, the game creates meaningful space and experience. With various thoughtful we're not really strangers questions, you gradually step into the world of self-discovery and authentic connections. 

The brand also designs the last card for players to write messages to each other, adding a lasting impact. 

How It Became a Global Sensation

Thanks to a unique approach of genuine connection, the game gained viral momentum. It deeply resonates with audiences seeking authenticity in a digital world with less social interaction. 

Moreover, the power of Word-of-Mouth and social media content further makes it viral quickly as a global phenomenon. The brand also offers various editions or theme packs to cater to multiple types of relationships for a satisfying experience. 

How to Play "We're Not Really Strangers"

Ready to break the barriers and immerse in genuine ties? Let's explore simple steps to play "We're Not Really Strangers"!

1. Game Setup and Required Materials

You will need below materials to set up the games: 

• "We're Not Really Strangers" card decks with all 3-question levels. You might utilize expansion packs to tailor to your suitable target audiences. 
• Pencil and notepad for the final activity of reflection or writing messages to each other. 
• A suitable and quiet space for all participants to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts 

After having must-have materials, shuffle each of the card decks and place them down in separate piles. Don't forget to put the final card aside for use at the end of the game. 

Regarding participants, you can easily kick off the game with two players. Who will start first? Decide by staring at each other; the first person to blink starts! You can play with friends, family, or even strangers. Please kindly note that the players are encouraged to share openly and honestly. 

2. Understanding the Levels & Question Types

Now it's time to understand the game levels! There are typically 3 levels of questions to deepen the game progressively: 

• Level 1: Perception - Focus on breaking the ice, making assumptions, and exploring first impressions 
• Level 2: Connection -  Encourage personal sharing, life perspectives and emotions 
• Level 3: Reflection - Promote deep reflection on the player's own experience and others through the game. 

3. How to Make the Game More Engaging

Move on to exploring useful tips to level up your WNRS experience. Why don't you consider some of the following suggestions? 

Be mindful of creating a cozy and safe space. A judgment-free atmosphere with candles, snacks, and music makes players feel comfortable to open up. 

Don't rush! Let the conversation flow naturally. Take your time with each question and listen actively with genuine interest. 

You might use WildCards with several creative challenges to add a dynamic touch to the game. 

4. Playing Virtually vs. In-Person

Wondering how to play the WNRS games in different settings? Don't skip this part! Indeed, you can play in person or virtually without compromise. 

• Te tākaro ā-tangata: Physical decks are ideal for leveling up the experience. More direct people interaction like body language and eye contact triggers more emotional impact. Gather players around a table and start the game as standard rules! 
• Virtual play: Play WNRS online works well via video calls like Zoom or Facetime for long-distance friends or remote members. Each player takes turns to share for each online card.

But what if you need a platform or WNRS apps to make the game enjoyable and engaging? Let's consider AhaSlides - the most effective interactive presentation platform that allows you to create interactive and fun quizzes or other features. Here is a template for AhaSlides for We’re Not Really Strangers Online Questions:

• #1: Paatohia te paatene o runga kia uru atu ki te keemu. Ka taea e koe te tirotiro i ia kiriata me te tuku whakaaro ki runga me o hoa.
• #2: To save the slides or play with acquaintances privately, click on 'My Account,' then sign up for a free AhaSlides account. You can customize them further and play them online/offline with people as you want!

Full List of "We're Not Really Strangers" Questions (Updated 2025)

Let's get started with the superficial to deep We're not really strangers questions. You and your acquaintances will experience three distinctive rounds serving different purposes: perception, connection, and reflection.

Taumata 1: Te Tirohanga

This level focuses on self-reflection and understanding one's own thoughts and feelings. By sharing perceptions, participants gain insight into how others see them. They are aware of snap judgments and more empathetic via understanding other lenses.

Here are some of the best icebreaker questions for your reference:

1/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku kaupapa matua?

2/ Ki to whakaaro kua aroha ahau?

3/ Ki to whakaaro kua pakaru toku ngakau?

4/ Ki to whakaaro kua panaia ahau?

5/ Ki to whakaaro he rongonui ahau i te kura tuarua?

6/ He aha to whakaaro ka pai ahau? Nga Cheetos wera, nga mowhiti riki ranei?

7/ Ki to whakaaro he pai ki ahau te noho rīwai moenga?

8/ Ki to whakaaro he tangata kee ahau?

9/ Ki to whakaaro he tuakana ahau? Pakeke, teina ranei?

10/ Ki to whakaaro i tipu ake ahau ki hea?

11/ Ki to whakaaro kei te tunu kai au, kei te kai kai ranei ahau?

12/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku e matakitaki ana i enei ra?

13/ Ki to whakaaro e kino ana ahau ki te oho moata?

14/ He aha te mea pai ka maumahara koe mo te hoa?

15/ He aha te ahua o te ahuatanga hapori e tino raruraru ana koe?

16/ Ki to whakaaro ko wai taku tino whakapakoko?

17/ Ahea taku kai tina?

18/ Ki to whakaaro he pai ki ahau te kakahu whero?

19/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku tino kai?

20/ Ki to whakaaro kei roto ahau i te oranga Kariki?

21/ Kei te mohio koe he aha taku mahi moemoea?

22/ Kei te mohio koe kei hea taku hararei moemoea?

23/ Ki to whakaaro he whakaweti ahau i mua i te kura?

24/ Ki to whakaaro he tangata korero ahau?

25/ Ki to whakaaro he ika makariri ahau?

26/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku inu Starbucks tino pai?

27/ Ki to whakaaro he pai ahau ki te panui pukapuka?

28/ Ki to whakaaro ko tehea te nuinga o te wa ka pai ahau ki te noho mokemoke?

29/ Ko tehea wahanga o te whare ki to whakaaro ko taku tino waahi?

30/ Ki to whakaaro he pai ahau ki te takaro keemu ataata?

Taumata 2: Hononga

I tenei taumata, ka patai nga kaitakaro ki nga paatai-whakaaro ki a ratou ano, ki te whakapakari i te hononga hohonu me te aroha.

Vulnerability is key here.  A sense of trust and intimacy often comes from open-up and genuine sharing of personal experiences. Vulnerability then breaks surface-level conversation and strengthens relationships. And here are must-ask questions for deeper bonds: 

31/ Ka pehea koe ki te whakarereke i taku mahi?

32/ He aha to whakaaro tuatahi ki ahau?

33/ He aha te mea whakamutunga i teka koe?

34/ He aha koe i huna ai i aua tau katoa?

35/ He aha to whakaaro tino tipua?

36/ He aha te mea whakamutunga i teka koe ki to mama?

37/ He aha te hapa nui i mahia e koe?

38/ He aha te mamae kino kua pa ki a koe?

39/ He aha koe e ngana tonu ana ki te whakamatau ki a koe ano?

40/ He aha to tino tangata?

41/ He aha te mea tino uaua mo te whakatau i a koe?

42/ He aha te mea pai mo to papa, whaea ranei?

43/ He aha te waiata tino pai e kore e taea e koe te mutu te whakaaro i roto i to mahunga?

44/ Kei te teka koe ki a koe ano mo tetahi mea?

45/ He aha te kararehe e hiahia ana koe ki te whakatipu?

46/ He aha te pai ki a koe ki te tino whakaae ki tenei ahuatanga o naianei?

47/ Nohea te wa whakamutunga i waimarie koe ki a koe?

48/ He aha te kupu tohu e whakaatu pai ana i a koe i mua, inaianei?

49/ He aha to teina e kore e whakapono mo to oranga i tenei ra?

50/ Ko tehea wahanga o to whanau e hiahia ana koe ki te pupuri, ki te tuku ranei?

51/ He aha to maharatanga tino pai mai i to tamarikitanga?

52/ Kia pehea te roa o te noho hoa ki a koe?

53/ He aha te tango i tetahi mai i te hoa ki te hoa pai mo koe?

54/ He aha te patai e ngana ana koe ki te whakautu i roto i to oranga inaianei?

55/ He aha ta koe e korero ai ki to teina?

56/ He aha to mahi tino pouri?

57/ Nohea te wa whakamutunga i tangi koe?

58/ He aha koe i pai ake ai i te nuinga o nga tangata e mohio ana koe?

59/ Ko wai e hiahia ana koe ki te korero ki a koe ina mokemoke koe?

60/ He aha te tino uaua o te noho ki tawahi?

Taumata 3: Whakaaroaro

The final level encourages players to reflect on the experience and insights gained during the game. It's about understanding yourself and others better, like how they feel or interact with others. In other words, these questions tap into emotional intelligence regarding empathy and self-awareness. Moreover, your reflection process will leave a sense of closure and clarity.

Now, check out some WNRS self-reflection questions following:

61/ He aha taau e hiahia ana ki te whakarereke i to ahuatanga i naianei?

62/ Ko wai e hiahia ana koe ki te mihi, ki te mihi ake ranei?

63/ Mēnā i hanga e koe he rārangipāpāho māku, he aha ngā waiata e 5 kei runga?

64/ He aha ahau i miharo ai koe?

65/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku tino kaha?

66/ Ki to whakaaro he ahua rite, he rereke ranei?

67/ Ki to whakaaro ko wai te hoa pai moku?

68/ He aha te mea me panui au ina whai wa?

69/ Kei hea taku tino tohu ki te tuku tohutohu?

70/ He aha koe i ako ai mo koe i a koe e takaro ana i tenei keemu?

71/ He aha te patai i tino wehi koe ki te whakautu?

72/ He aha te mea nui tonu te "sorority" ki te ao o te koroni

73/ He aha te taonga tino pai mo au?

74 He aha te wahanga o koe e kite ana koe i roto i ahau?

75/ I runga i nga mea i akohia e koe mo au, he aha to whakaaro ka panui ahau?

76/ He aha koe ka mahara ki ahau ina kore taua e hono?

77/ Mai i taku rongo mo au, he aha te kiriata Netflix e taunaki ana koe kia maataki ahau?

78/ He aha taku hei awhina i a koe?

79/ He pehea te whai a Sigma Kappa ki to oranga?

80/ Ka taea e koe te whakamanawanui i te tangata nana koe i tukino)?

81/ He aha taku me rongo i naianei?

82/ Ka maia koe ki te mahi i tetahi mea i waho o to rohe whakamarie a tera wiki?

83/ Ki to whakaaro ka tae mai nga tangata ki roto i to oranga mo etahi take?

84/ Ki to whakaaro he aha tatou i tutaki ai?

85/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku tino mataku?

86/ He aha te akoranga ka tangohia e koe i to korerorero?

87/ He aha to whakaaro me tuku e au?

88/ Whakaae tetahi mea 

89 He aha ahau e kore nei koe e mohio?

90/ Me pehea e whakaatu ai koe i ahau ki te tangata ke?

He ngahau ano: Kaari mohoao

Ko te whainga o tenei wahanga kia hihiko ake te keemu patai me te whakahihiri. Engari i te patapatai, he momo tohutohu mahi ma nga kaitakaro e tuhi ana hei whakaoti. Anei nga 10:

91/ Tuhia he pikitia (60 hēkona)

92/ Korero tahi (1 meneti)

93/ Tuhia he korero ki a raua ano ka hoatu ki a raua ano. Whakatuwheratia ina mahue ana koe.

94/ Tangohia he selfie tahi

95/ Hangaia taau ake patai mo tetahi mea. Kia tatau!

96/ Titiro ki o kanohi mo te 30 hēkona. He aha koe i kite ai?

97/ Whakaatuhia to whakaahua i a koe e tamariki ana (i te tahanga)

98/ Waiatahia he waiata tino pai 

99/ Mea atu ki tera tangata kia kati o ratou kanohi kia kati (tatari mo te 15 hēkona ka kihi ia)

100/ Tuhia he tuhipoka ki o taina. Whai muri i te 1 meneti, whakatuwherahia ka whakataurite.

Special Edition & Expansion Packs

Need more We are not really strangers questions? Here are some extra questions that you can ask in different relationships, from dating, self-love, friendship, and family to the workplace.

10 We're Not Really Strangers Questions - Couples edition

101/ He aha to whakaaro ka tino pai mo to marena?

102/ He aha koe e tata ai ki ahau?

103/ He wa ano kei te pirangi koe ki te whakarere i ahau?

104/E hia nga tamariki e hiahia ana koe?

105/ He aha ta tatou e hanga tahi?

106/ Ki to whakaaro he wahine tonu ahau?

107/ He aha te ahua tino ataahua ki ahau ehara i te tinana?

108/ He aha te korero mo koe e kore au e ngaro?

109/ Ki to whakaaro he aha taku po hui tino pai?

110/ Ki to whakaaro kare ano au i whai hononga?

10 We're Not Really Strangers Questions - Friendship edition

111/ Ki to whakaaro he aha toku ngoikoretanga?

112/ Ki to whakaaro he aha toku kaha?

113/ Ki to whakaaro me mohio ahau mo au ano pea kei te mohio ahau?

114/ Me pehea o tatou ahuatanga e whakakii ana tetahi ki tetahi?

115/ He aha te mea e tino miharo ana koe mo au?

116/ Kia kotahi te kupu, whakaahuahia to ahua i naianei!

117 He aha taku whakautu i marama ai koe?

118/ Ka taea e au te whakawhirinaki ki a koe ki te korero mo tetahi mea mo koe?

119/ He aha to whakaaro nui inaianei?

120/ Ki to whakaaro he pai au ki te kihi?

10 We're Not Really Strangers Questions - Workplace edition

121/ He aha tetahi whakatutukitanga ngaio e tino whakahīhīhia ana e koe, he aha?

122/ Tuhia he wa i pa ai koe ki tetahi wero nui i te mahi me pehea koe i hinga ai.

123/ He aha te pukenga, te kaha ranei kei a koe e whakaaro ana koe kaore i te whakamahia i roto i to mahi o naianei?

124/ Ma te whakaaro huritao mo to mahi, he aha te tino akoranga i akohia e koe i tenei wa?

125/ Whakaahuahia he whainga mahi, he wawata ranei kei a koe mo nga ra kei mua.

126/ Tohaina he kaiawhina, he hoa mahi ranei kua whai paanga nui ki to tipunga ngaio, me te aha.

127/ Me pehea koe e whakahaere ai i te taurite mahi-ora me te pupuri i te oranga i roto i te taiao mahi uaua?

128/ He aha te mea e whakapono ana koe karekau o hoa mahi, o hoa mahi ranei e mohio mo koe?

129/ Whakaahuahia he wa i rongo ai koe i te kaha o te mahi tahi me te mahi tahi i to waahi mahi.

130/ Ma te whakaaro huritao mo to mahi o naianei, he aha te tino painga o to mahi?

10 We're Not Really Strangers Questions - Family edition

131/ He aha koe e tino hikaka ana i tenei ra?

132/ He aha te tino ngahau kua tae mai ki a koe?

133/ He aha te korero tino pouri kua rongo koe?

134/ He aha to hiahia ki te korero mai ki ahau mo te wa roa?

135/ He aha te mea ka roa koe ki te korero pono ki ahau?

136/ Ki to whakaaro ko au te tangata ka taea e koe te korero?

137/ He aha nga mahi e hiahia ana koe ki ahau?

138/ He aha te mea tino kore e whakamaramatia kua pa ki a koe?

139/ He aha to ra?

140/ Ki to whakaaro ko ahea te wa pai ki te korero mo nga mea i pa ki a koe?

Science Behind the Game: Why does WNRS Works

Just a deck of questions, what is the success of We’re Not Really Strangers questions behind? Via intentional design, psychological principles, or others? Let's scroll down for a closer look at the science behind the game!

Te Mana o te Patai Tika

Instead of focusing on getting answers only, the WNRS game designed thought-provoking questions for self-discovery, mutual understanding, and life-changing moments. From icebreaker questions to introspective questions, the game delivers a safe feeling for players to gradually open up and engage with others. 

How Emotional Vulnerability Builds Stronger Connections

Vulnerability is the core of emotional intimacy. Joining the WNRS game allows players to share, learn with others, and relearn themselves. In this way, they signal trust, normalize emotion, and nurture empathy for building stronger connections. 

Psychological Benefits of Playing the Game

Besides fostering strong bonds, WNRS has many mental health and psychological benefits, such as improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ), releasing social barriers, stress relief, and personal growth. 

Thanks to reflective questions, you can enhance self-awareness and empathy, which are important elements in EQ. Moreover, authenticity, a safe zone, and good connections play as a psychological anchor to reduce stress and social anxiety.

Besides, introspective prompts might be life-changing moments to explore yourself better for deep self-understanding and personal growth.

Holt-Lunstad J. Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications. World Psychiatry. 2024 Oct;23(3):312-332. doi: 10.1002/wps.21224. PMID: 39279411; PMCID: PMC11403199.

Customizing "We're Not Really Strangers" for Your Needs

Here is how to make a WNRS game truly your own!

Creating Your Own Questions

Before tailoring the questions, ask yourself, "What kind of connections do I want to foster?". Based on specific relationships or events, you will craft suitable questions accordingly. 

Moreover, take reference from additional editions and themes for more ideas to make the right questions. Don't forget to utilize Wildcard and prompts or quotes to make the game engaging and meaningful. 

Alternative Games with Similar Concepts

Love the We’re Not Really Stranger questions but desire to explore more; below are some great alternatives with similar concepts: 

• RipangaTopics: A game of conversation starters with various questions for icebreakers to deep reflections. Ideas for family dinners or general gatherings.
• Korero Nui: This game skips questions for small talk and drives straight into deep and meaningful conversation.
• Let's Get Deep: Originally for couples to play with 3-level questions: Icebreaker, Deep, and Deeper. However, it can be adaptable for other participants to play. 

Mixing It With Other Conversation Starters

For a more dynamic and engaging experience, you can blend We’re Not Really Strangers questions with other conversion starters. 

You might combine prompts from other games to diversify a range of questions. Otherwise, pair the WNRS game with activities like drawing, journaling, or movie nights to get everyone on the same theme. Notably, you can integrate the We’re Not Really Stranger app or digital edition with physical cards for more interactive features and new prompts. 

Printable & PDF Versions of WNRS Questions (Free Download)

We're Not Really Strangers (WNRS) offers free downloadable PDFs of their digital-only editions on their official website. There are various editions to cater to your unique needs, like Self-Exploration Pack, Back to School Edition, Introspective Journal, and more. 

Download the We’re Not Really Stranger free questions in PDF version ki konei!

To make your own DIY WNRS cards, you can print these free PDFs and cut them into individual cards. Alternatively, you could create questions inspired by the WNRS format and print them on cardstock.

Pātai Auau

Tohutoro

1. Holt-Lunstad J. Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications. World Psychiatry. 2024 Oct;23(3):312-332. doi: 10.1002/wps.21224. PMID: 39279411; PMCID: PMC11403199. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64939/
2. IU News. Stronger social networks key to addressing mental health in young adults, research finds. https://news.iu.edu/live/news/33803-stronger-social-networks-key-to-addressing-mental.