Nowadays, people are more open to discussing a wide range of topics. However, certain subjects remain sensitive and are often best avoided, especially with strangers or those who might find them uncomfortable. This list highlights topics that are generally better left out of casual conversations.
Relationship Issues
While it’s a good thing to seek support and relationship advice, it’s important to be aware of what you’re sharing and with whom. Sometimes, sharing details about your relationship struggles can make the person feel like they need to “pick a side,” especially if they know both you and your partner.
Salary Details
Brits usually see discussions about your salary as taboo and off-limits, as it can make people feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or tense. Since people in the West generally prefer to keep this information private, you’re better off not asking about it.
Legal Issues
If you or the person you’re talking to is going through legal issues, it can be tempting to talk about it. However, legal matters are usually seen as sensitive and can also involve difficult confidentiality issues that make it complicated to talk openly about.
Personal Grief
Many people have good intentions when trying to get someone to open up about their experience of losing a loved one. However, doing so can make some people feel uncomfortable, down, and pressured. Everyone processes grief differently, so it’s often best to let them bring up the subject when they’re ready.
Substance Use
The issue of substance use can be controversial, divisive, and sensitive, especially if you know the person you’re talking to has a different stance to you. Certain words and topics can also be triggering to people who’ve struggled with addiction in the past. For this reason, you’re usually better off avoiding the topic.
Parenting Styles
No two people will parent in exactly the same way, so it can be risky to talk about what parenting styles you think are best or worst. Doing so can make the other person feel judged, belittled, or uncomfortable. Because of this, you should usually avoid the subject if you don’t know the person well.
Personal Tragedies
It’s normal to be curious about people’s experiences, but being too intrusive and asking questions about people’s personal tragedies can feel very upsetting and uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s better to let people talk about these experiences on their own terms if they feel like the time is right.
Other People’s Behavior
A lot of people love to gossip, but that doesn’t always mean you should. Some people view those who speak negatively about others as dangerous, hurtful, and unkind, especially when they’re close to the individual in question. Therefore, if you don’t know the person well, try to avoid doing so.
Sexual Topics
Sexual matters are deeply personal, and most people aren’t comfortable talking about them with strangers or acquaintances. It’s especially important to avoid this topic in professional settings, as doing so can make people see you as unprofessional, disrespectful, and uncomfortable to be around.
Past Relationships
While some people find it cathartic or enjoyable to talk about previous relationships, it’s usually better not to pry unless they bring it up themselves. Some people may have had particularly painful experiences that they’re not ready to talk openly about. As noted by Verywell Mind, talking badly about your own exes on a date can also cause the other person to see you as lacking accountability.
Controversial Social Issues
Social issues can be incredibly important to talk about, but it’s important to do so in the right way and in the right settings. A lot of people have very strong reactions to issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. If you do want to discuss these topics, it’s best to gauge your audience first and make sure they’d be receptive.
Extreme Personal Achievements
While it’s good to be proud of your achievements, talking excessively about your impressive personal accomplishments can quickly make you seem boastful and self-centered. However, it’s still okay to mention them when they’re relevant to the context, as long as you’re also open and encouraging when people share their own achievements.
Jokes About Sensitive Topics
While some people appreciate a touch of edgy humor, others won’t be so amused. For this reason, it’s better to avoid jokes about sensitive topics such as race, religion, gender, or sexuality, especially if you don’t know the people very well. Even if you don’t intend to offend people, you can still make a bad impression by doing so.
Politics
Politics can be an extremely divisive and controversial topic that will often quickly turn conversations polarizing and heated. In fact, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts, 79% of people use negative language when describing their feelings about politics. For this reason, it’s usually best to avoid talking about it in social and work settings, especially if you don’t know the people around you very well.
Religion
Like politics, people are often very attached to their religious beliefs and can easily become defensive or offended if you say something they perceive as an attack. Therefore, you should typically stay clear of this topic unless the context is appropriate and you know the people well.
Health Issues
A lot of people have health issues, but that doesn’t mean they always want to talk about them. Unless you know the person well, it’s better not to ask intrusive questions about the state of their health or what they’re doing to maintain it. You should also avoid venting about the state of your own health if you don’t know them well.
Personal Diet and Eating Habits
As stated by Within Health, talking about someone’s body size, diet, or exercise habits can easily be triggering or offensive, especially to someone with an eating disorder. Therefore, if you don’t know the person well, you’re better off avoiding this subject entirely.