What to Talk About and NOT Talk About on a First Date

You are going on a first date. Whether it is a blind date or a date you've been dreaming about, nerves are sure to be on edge. Whether you are 16 or 40, nothing else will bring out the butterflies like a first date. Never married, or recently divorced, the angst associated with a first date is plentiful. To help soothe the frayed nerves that you may be experiencing, here is a list of safe and taboo topics for you to consider.

Safe Topics

Travel.This is usually a safe area for discussion, and opens up a lot of conversation possibilities. You can begin with asking about previous travel adventures and follow-up with finding out about any future travel aspirations.

Food and Drink:

Safe topics unless you are going out with someone with an addiction. Discussing favorite foods, restaurants, drinks, and such can be a good way to open up a discussion. There are lots of possibilities here. Future date at a favorite restaurant?

Work and Career Goals:

Usually a safe area of discussion. Most people like to talk, even brag a little, about their work.

Siblings:

Asking about brothers and sisters is fine. You may want to be cautious when asking about parents as it could bring up unpleasant situations as divorce.

Hobbies/Interests:

Always a good topic for a first date. You can both share and discover any common interests, and learn more about each other as well. Future rollerblading date?

Taboo Topics:

On first dates, try to avoid talking about any of the following:

Past Romances. Keep the past in the past on the first date for sure, and possibly the next couple of dates. This is a subject that can be very tempestuous. Tread carefully!

Money.

If you talk about how much you make, it can be looked at as being

Showy and not very classy. Where money is concerned, it is better to show style and class rather than crass talk about it. Lack of money is equally a taboo subject on a first date!

Injuries/Complaints/Ailments

No-no on a first date. This should be fun and uplifting. This date should hopefully be the beginning of more dates. Do not be a downer by talking about negative things, especially about your health and well-being!

Future.

If you start talking about future scenarios in the "we" sense, on a first date, you might just see your date head out the door. This can come across as clingy, needy, and even downright scary! Even after two or three dates or more, be careful. Save talk about future plans for a relationship.

First dates can be stressful. No doubt about it. But try to relax. Take the first date for what it really is... a good time out with good company. Don't think ahead; just enjoy the date and the company. Have some safe topics lined up to talk about, and all should be ok.