7 questions you should never ask when you make a little conversation

Experts share conversation subjects to avoid during these interactions.


Presenting a small conversation with foreigners or occasional knowledge is often the polite thing TO DO. But whether you find that it is stressful or that you consider yourself an excellent communicator, there are certain questions that cross a line and can make things difficult whatever happens. Speaking to experts, we had an overview of the subjects to avoid in more relaxed conversations. Read the rest to discover seven questions that you should never ask during the little conversation.

In relation: 8 "polished" questions that are actually offensive, say the experts in label .

1
"Why can't you drink?"

Group Of Mature Friends Meeting At Home Preparing Meal And Drinking Wine Together
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Whether you chat with colleagues during a holiday party or you talk to a stranger to the bar, asking you about alcohol consumption should always be prohibited, according to Chris Gillis , personalized Consultant in relation and image . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Never ask yourself why someone is not drinking," said Gillis. "It could be a very sensitive subject of which they do not necessarily want to discuss."

In relation: 5 accommodation tips for guests who do not drink, label experts say .

2
"Do you go out with someone?"

Diverse group of smiling young friends talking together over lunch and drinks at a table in a trendy bistro
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Many of us assume that others on the status of our relationship are harmless. But as with alcohol, it can be a sensitive subject for some, according to Boston psychotherapist Angela Ficken .

"Especially if the person is single or goes through relational challenges," she says.

Questions like "Do you go out with someone?" Or "Are you single?" can also put people in a defensive position, Cassandra Leclair , expert in relation and Communication study teacher At the Texas A&M University, adds.

"Everyone may not want to discuss their personal relationships in an occasional setting," said Leclair. "Stop assuming you know what others want for their lives."

3
"Do you have children?"

A three quarter length shot of two businesswomen walking and talking to each other after work. They are both dressed smartly and casually and are walking over a road. They are based in the North East of England.
istock

Avoid asking questions about people's relationships during small speeches should also extend to children, according to Leclair. You can assume that it is a simple way to find common ground, especially if you yourself have children.

"But they can face personal circumstances they do not wish to discuss," she warns. "Questions about if someone has children, or when someone plans to have children, or why they don't have them ending up being really invasive."

In relation: 8 things for women should never apologize, say the label experts .

4
"How much do you earn?"

Group of senior men of various backgrounds having a friendly chat in the front yard of one man while he is raking the leafs. Bright fall scene on the road in the North American city.
istock

It's one thing to ask for what someone does for work, a subject of common conversation for little conversations. But never go so far as to ask them how much they do, Haley Hicks , Lcsw, under license Clinical social worker And vice-president of admissions to the Basepoint Academy in Dallas, advises.

"Ask questions about someone's income is generally considered to be prohibited in small speeches. It is considered too personal and can make the other uncomfortable part, because it plunges into its financial situation - a subject That many prefer to keep private, "shares Hicks. "Perhaps moving attention to the nature of their work, asking what they appreciate the most in their work, or by discussing recent industry trends. Do not forget that the objective of the little one Conversation is to create a friendly report, not to probe on private issues. "

5
"What is your ethnicity?"

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Nor is a small conversation the place to question someone's history directly.

"Ask someone" what is your ethnicity? "Can be considered invasive and can commit stereotypes or hypotheses depending on appearance," personal empowerment life coach Smita D. Jain tell Better life .

Instead, Jain recommends redirecting your questions if you are interested in someone's ethical history.

"Discuss cultural events, food or travel experiences to promote a more inclusive and understanding conversation," she suggests.

In relation: 7 Polished ways to divert coarse issues, label experts say .

6
"Have you lost weight?"

Smiling young man and woman are looking at curly female while walking in city centre
istock

If you speak to a knowledge or a colleague and you notice that they seem to have lost weight since the last time you have seen them, you might be tempted to lift it in the passing conversation. But although it may seem like an harmless question or even a compliment, it can "make someone other uncomfortable, especially if he has not lost weight," said Hicks.

"This can evoke insecurity and body image problems, which are personal subjects that should be avoided in small conversations," she continues. "As far as possible, get away from discussing someone's physical appearance and focusing on other subjects, such as their favorite interests, books or films, or recent trips."

7
"How old are you?"

Colleagues walking and talking in a financial district
istock

Do not ask someone about their age if you have a little conversation, Nancy Mitchell , A authorized nurse Work with geriatric services and a contributory writer at Assisted Living, advises.

"Not only is it unexpected, but it is also a bit rude to ask," she said. "People automatically assume that you are asking for their age because of their appearance, which can lead them to feel unsure in their environment."

In fact, this is not a question that you should feel right to ask in any situation, according to Mitchell.

"As a rule for any conversation, I would let someone disclose their age-if and when they feel enough to do so," she recommends.

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