What topics are considered impolite to discuss
Speak French Like a Native: Key Cultural Mistakes to Avoid: What topics are considered impolite to discuss
Topics considered impolite to discuss generally include controversial issues and very personal or sensitive matters that can cause discomfort, embarrassment, or conflict in social interactions. Commonly avoided topics include:
- Politics, religion, and abortion, due to their capacity to ignite arguments or create tension.
- Money matters such as income, salary, and personal finances.
- Sex and sexuality, which can be too personal or inappropriate for many social settings.
- Death and dying, which can be emotionally heavy or upsetting.
- Personal health issues, including mental health, which can be stigmatized or too revealing.
- Bodily functions and excrement, considered gross or offensive.
- Gossip about others, especially personal gossip that can embarrass or offend.
- Questions that pry for personal information or are perceived as intrusive (e.g., asking about weight, marital status, or pregnancy).
- Offensive jokes or comments, especially those based on race, culture, sex, or sexual orientation.
- Highly specialized or narrow topics that others are unlikely to relate to or understand.
These topics tend to be avoided in polite company or casual conversation because they can cause discomfort, conflict, or embarrassment. The appropriateness of discussing some topics, like politics or religion, often depends on the context and the people involved, but generally, they are best approached with caution or avoided in initial or casual interactions. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8