# Closer Question Writing Guide v2 **See also:** [QUESTION_SCHEMA.md](QUESTION_SCHEMA.md) — JSON schema & validation rules | [QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md](QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md) — rewrite checklist & category order | [QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md](QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md) — quality gate before commit ## Mission Closer is not a questionnaire. Closer is not therapy homework. Closer is not a personality quiz. Closer should feel like a conversation game couples voluntarily keep playing because they are having fun. Every question should move the couple toward at least one of these: * laughing * flirting * learning something new * remembering something * planning something together * feeling understood * feeling appreciated * creating a future memory If a question does none of those things, delete it. ## Consumer First Every question must pass this test. Would a real couple answer this on a Friday night? If not, rewrite it. Never write for psychologists. Write for normal couples. ## Question Mix Per 250 questions: * 140 multi_choice * 50 single_choice * 35 scale * 15 this_or_that * 10 written At least 76 percent must be choice based. Typing should feel special. Never force users to type constantly. ## Emotional Mix Every category should roughly include: * 35 percent playful * 25 percent everyday life * 20 percent meaningful * 10 percent future * 10 percent deeper Alternate emotional weight naturally. Do not stack heavy questions. ## Conversation Goals Every question should create at least one reaction: * I did not know that. * That is adorable. * We should do that. * I cannot believe you picked that. * I never thought about that. * That is actually a good idea. If none fit, rewrite it. ## Variety Avoid repeating openings. Use varied openings such as: * Imagine... * Suppose... * If we suddenly... * Pick every answer... * Finish this thought... * Would you rather... * When do you... * What is one thing... * Which tiny habit... * If we had one free hour... * What would make... * What feels most like us... Never allow obvious patterns. ## No AI Writing Reject wording like: * Describe... * Reflect on... * Discuss... * Evaluate... * In what ways... * How satisfied are you... * What boundary around... * Explore your feelings about... * Rate the effectiveness of... * Identify the ways... These sound like surveys. Not conversations. ## Written Questions Written questions must earn the keyboard. Use them only when choices cannot create the same value. Good: * What's something tiny I do that means more than I realize? Bad: * Describe your communication style. ## Multiple Choice Options should be interesting. Avoid obvious answers. Avoid yes or no disguised as choices. Allow multiple selections whenever realistic. Use prompts like: * Pick every answer that fits. * Choose your top three. * What sounds good to you? * Which of these feel true? ## Single Choice There should be no obvious correct answer. The user should hesitate because several options feel plausible. ## Scale Only use scales when intensity matters. Do not use scales just because they are easy to generate. Good scale topics: * comfort * confidence * closeness * interest * frequency * importance ## This Or That Keep these: * fast * funny * shareable * easy They should take under three seconds. ## Fun Rule Every category should include: * inside jokes * tiny challenges * food debates * traditions * bucket lists * silly scenarios * friendly competitions * future plans * low pressure date ideas Even serious categories need relief. ## Relationship First Anchor every question to: * you * your partner * your relationship * your memories * your future Avoid generic questions that could belong in a workplace survey. ## Duplicate Prevention Never repeat: * sentence structure * concepts * option lists * conversation goals If two questions feel similar, delete one. ## Premium Test Reject any question if the answer to any of these is no: * Would I pay for this? * Would this start a real conversation? * Would this create a memory? * Would I screenshot this? * Would I send this to my partner? ## Final Rule Conversation quality always beats quantity. One unforgettable question is worth more than twenty average ones.