Conversation starters – What's appropriate, what's taboo?

Dear Brenda,

I really enjoy the site, and now I need your advice... I remember you told one guy to talk about hobbies, dreams and collections while on a date - but after all these, the topics may run out and we become tongue-tied (yup, I sort of share the same problem with him). So could you suggest what other things to say during a date? Is it too fast to talk about each other's families during the first few dates? What kind of topics do guys/gals dislike? What kind of topics are fun to talk about? Thanks in advance, have a nice day!
- Parker

Dear Parker,

Here’s my logic: If you’re on a date with someone - and the interest and chemistry are there, then you won’t have to worry much about uncomfortable gaps in the conversation. And if those things aren’t there, then you’re probably trying to decide what would be the most believable excuse for an early exit.

Topics to stay away from on the first few dates:
How many babies you want to have.
How you desperately want to get married some day.
How you haven’t had sex in such a long time.
Questions about the other person’s salary.
Questions about the other persons past relationships.
How your exes all wronged you.
(basically anything negative and/or intrusive.)

Topics that are fun and interesting:
Questions you ask your date about himself/herself- such as interests/ job/favorite places to go, etc... Places you might want to visit together in the future- parks/museums/ restaurants.... And of course you can talk about family, but you might not want to mention anything too negative, like how Uncle Sheldon lives in the basement and makes chicken-bone necklaces just for fun...You know? Some things are best left a mystery.

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