Conversation killers....

What NOT to say on a first date and topics that are off limits

When you are on a first or second date you are expecting to get to know someone and have a fun evening. However, the quickest way to ensure that that ends is by allowing the conversation to drift into deep waters. There are some things that you just don’t need to talk about when you are in the initial stages of dating someone, and can pretty much be considered off limits. If you enter a committed relationship you are likely talk about many heated topics eventually but in the meantime avoid these so that you start off on the right foot.

Past relationships
This goes without saying, as your date most likely doesn’t want to know about your past relationship nor your sexual exploits so don't drag these issues out of the dirt. Not only should you not broadcast it to people, but you are also taking attention away from the person you are on a date with. If you are going to mention an old flame then you may as well bring them on the date with you. It’s just not going to impact your date romantically or positively so avoid bringing negatives to the table.

Religion, politics and money
It’s a standard rule as all three of these conversations are off limits on a first date and in fact they should never be heavily discussed or brought up unless with close family as it is always advised that if you want to encourage a well-mannered conversation they should be avoided. It definitely depends on the company you are in. Why you may ask? You don’t tell people how much money you make, you don’t tell people who you voted for, and religion, well, that’s just too personal. There is no need for it on a date and you don’t want to have a heated discussion.

General grievances
How your psychotic family and relatives are driving you nuts, how your depressing dead end job is making you miserable, the electricity got cut off because you can afford the bill or the nitty gritty and ugly details of your break-up, are examples of ‘general grievances’. They will guarantee your date stays as far away from you as possible after the dinner and forgetting they ever met you. Everyone has family domestics, get irritated with their job at time and has baggage from past relationship, but thinking these are decent conversation topics when trying to get to know someone is delusional. Remember the purpose of the date is to get to know someone, not to scare them away.

Your health
We all have health issues that pop up at some time, but if for any reason you are seeing a therapist, then leave that topic of conversation on the couch. If you are trying to gain sympathy from your date by relaying your health history then you need to think again. It isn’t really an enticing conversation.

The future
Sure there is nothing wrong with talking about what you want out of life and to achieve, but it is advisable to not ask your date when they want to settle-down, what kind of man that he like. It’s a sure-fire way to not only come across as desperate but to make the other person think twice about calling again

Till then...