If you’ve ever found yourself in an awkward conversation with someone you’ve just met, you’re not alone.

Navigating social interactions with new people can be a minefield at times.

We all know there are certain topics that can be tricky to tackle when you’re still getting to know someone.

Uncomfortable silences, potential disagreements or even offending someone unintentionally, it’s all part of the game.

Psychology is not just a science, it’s also an art that can guide us in these situations. Certain topics of discussion are advised against by psychology when meeting new people.

This is not about censorship, nor is it about hiding who you are. It’s simply about promoting positive and comfortable interactions.

So, buckle up because we’re about to delve into the things you should never discuss with new people, according to psychology.

Let’s ensure your next first impression is a good one!

1) Personal finances

Ah, the money talk. It’s an area most of us feel a bit uncomfortable discussing, especially with someone we’ve just met.

Launching into a conversation about your salary, debt situation, or financial struggles can make the other person squirm. It’s not just about being polite; it’s more about creating a comfortable atmosphere for interaction.

When you discuss personal finances with new acquaintances, it may create assumptions or judgments that could be far from reality. Money is an intimate topic and sharing it prematurely might lead to unnecessary comparisons or discomfort.

This isn’t to say you should never discuss finances. There is a time and place for it but bringing it up in initial interactions might not be the best idea.

Remember, first impressions matter. So, let’s keep the money talk on hold until you’ve established a deeper connection.

It’s not about hiding who you are or your current financial situation; it’s about ensuring that your interactions are comfortable and positive.

2) Your achievements

Surprisingly, talking about your successes and achievements can be a tricky area when meeting new people.

While it’s completely normal to be proud of your accomplishments, discussing them at length during a first encounter might come off as boasting or self-centered. This could potentially create distance rather than the connection you’re aiming for.

People tend to be more attracted to humility and genuine interest in others. When you put the spotlight on the other person, allowing them to share about themselves, it fosters a sense of bonding and mutual respect.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should completely play down your achievements. It’s about striking a balance – share enough to give a sense of who you are, but remember to show genuine interest in the other person too.

It’s about creating an exchange rather than a one-sided conversation. So, next time you meet someone new, try asking more about them before diving into your own glory stories.

3) Controversial topics

Politics, religion, and other controversial topics might seem like a good way to get a lively conversation going. But, they can quickly turn a light-hearted chat into a heated debate.

Our brains are wired to defend our beliefs, and when these are challenged, it can trigger emotional responses. This might not be the ideal scenario when meeting someone for the first time.

While these discussions can be stimulating among friends or family, with new acquaintances, they can easily generate tension and misunderstandings.

It’s not about avoiding these topics forever! It’s just about finding the right time and place.

Once you’ve established a solid foundation of trust and understanding with someone, you might feel more comfortable discussing these tougher issues.

But for early interactions, it’s generally best to keep the conversation light and neutral.

4) Personal problems

We all have our struggles and hurdles in life. They’re a part of being human. However, sharing these personal problems with someone you’ve just met can often be overwhelming for them.

Imagine meeting someone for the first time and they immediately start sharing about their recent breakup or family issues. It can be quite a lot to take in, right? You might not know how to react or what to say.

It’s not that people don’t care – they do! But everyone has their own worries and sharing yours too soon might inadvertently cause discomfort or unease.

Remember, it’s okay to not spill everything about yourself in the beginning. It’s more about gradually opening up as you develop trust and understanding with the other person.

Your struggles are important, and they deserve to be shared with those who are ready and willing to lend an empathetic ear.

5) Negative opinions about common acquaintances

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You meet someone new, find out you both know a certain someone and then, the gossiping instinct kicks in.

Expressing negative opinions about mutual acquaintances might seem like a quick way to bond, but it might also raise red flags. The person might start wondering, “If they’re saying this about them, what will they say about me?”

Remember that trust and respect are the building blocks of any relationship. Speaking negatively about others might cast a shadow on these essential elements.

It’s always better to focus on positive or neutral topics when discussing common acquaintances. This way, you can ensure the conversation remains pleasant and respectful, while also building trust with your new acquaintance.

6) Detailed health conditions

Now, I remember a time when I met someone new at a social gathering. Within the first few minutes of our conversation, they started sharing intricate details about a recent surgery.

As much as I empathized with their situation, I couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable.

Discussing detailed health conditions, especially ones of a personal or sensitive nature, can make people uneasy.

It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just such topics can be quite heavy and often require a certain level of closeness to discuss comfortably.

That being said, it’s completely okay to share if you’re living with a condition that might affect your interaction or requires certain accommodations.

The key is to share only what’s necessary at the beginning. As the relationship grows, so can the depth of your conversations.

7) Criticism and unsolicited advice

Let’s be clear, nobody likes to be criticized or receive unsolicited advice, especially from someone they’ve just met. It can come off as presumptuous and even downright rude.

You may have the best intentions and truly believe your insights could help the other person. But hold on! They didn’t ask, did they? We often forget that what works for us might not work for everyone else.

It’s important to practice active listening and empathy when getting to know someone new. If they want your advice, they’ll ask for it. If they don’t, lend an understanding ear and offer support if needed.

Let’s respect boundaries, even in conversations. It will go a long way in building a strong, respectful connection with the other person.

8) The essence of good conversation

At the end of the day, it all comes down to one simple thing – respect. Respect for the other person’s comfort, their experiences, and their boundaries.

Good conversation isn’t about oversharing or proving your point. It’s about creating a comfortable space where both parties can interact, learn, and grow together.

Remember, when meeting new people, it’s not just about what you say, but also how you say it and when you say it. Your words can make a world of difference.

So next time you’re about to dive into a conversation with someone new, take a moment, breathe, and think about your words. A little consideration goes a long way in fostering meaningful connections.

Final thoughts

Navigating social interactions is an art, one that requires balance, understanding, and respect.

This article has highlighted some potentially tricky topics to tackle when meeting new people. But remember, at the end of the day, it’s your conversation.

The goal isn’t to censor or restrict you, but rather to ensure your interactions are as comfortable and positive as possible. The art of conversation lies in creating a genuine connection, not just in the words you say.

Never forget that every person you meet is a new opportunity for growth and understanding. So approach each conversation with openness and empathy.

Here’s to creating meaningful connections and mastering the art of conversation. Happy chatting!