7 Conversation Topics that Ruin First Dates
As someone who has screwed up more dates than most guys have been on, I know a few things about bad conversation topics. A video game buff, I once spent 25 minutes telling a girl about Final Fantasy 7. Turns out, doing that was a great way to make sure she ignored every phone call I made afterwards.
Of course, there are many ways to screw up: spill wine on your date and see what happens! But avoid these 7 topics, and you’ll be a lot less likely to bore, offend or turn off your date.
Religion
It’s rare for two people – believers or non-believers – to see eye to eye when it comes to faith. Christianity alone has dozens of disagreeing denominations. Bring up religion, and you’re almost asking for an argument.
To make matters worse, faith – or a lack of it – is something people get really emotional about. So unless you want to turn your date into a shouting match, leave your beliefs out of it.
Bragging
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” - Margaret Thatcher
Don’t brag or boast. This seems counterintuitive; after all, dates are all about displaying your awesomeness, not hiding it. But bragging openly lowers your perceived value: if you really want to boost it, be subtle.
Your Job
Most people want to forget about work in their off time. Unless you’re lucky enough to have an awesome job – fireman, pilot, crocodile hunter – don’t talk about it more than you have to. Don’t make her talk about her boring 9-5, either!
Negative Stories
The ability to laugh at yourself is a sign of security; a little humility goes a long way. But never make yourself look like a tool; avoid sharing stories that portray you in a negative light.
In other words, don’t make yourself sound like a loser, jerk or clown. If you want to tell Her about the time you got beaten up by the school bully, make sure there’s a positive ending or lesson learned at the end of the story.
Dorky Hobbies
Want to connect with your date? Find topics that interest both of you. It’s important that you both participate in – and enjoy – the conversation. So avoid talking about stuff She can’t relate to for extended periods of time.
I’m not saying you need to hide your World of Warcraft habit; just don’t spend the whole date telling her about your level 80 Troll Shaman.
Past Flings
Talking about your previous relationships is a sign that you’re not over them. Showing off your active sex-life is even worse, because you’ll come across as indiscreet and unable to commit. Whichever way you look at it, there are no reasons to talk about your exes.
Your Friends
Your friends might be a big part of your life; I know mine are. But trust me, she doesn’t want to listen about some people she doesn’t know for 30 minutes straight. Focus on getting to know your date and telling her about yourself instead.
