Nothing says "new, budding romance" like sitting directly across from a potential romantic partner [1] who can't stop talking about their ex, right? If you've ever been on a first date [2] that went from bad to worse, it probably had nothing to do with the restaurant you chose to eat at and everything to do with the fact that the things your date [3] talked about were less than appropriate (or sometimes even offensive). If you've got a first date coming up, steer clear of these conversation topics (for now) so that your night can be flirty and fun instead of dark and gloomy.
Longtime Crushes
The one that got away isn't the one you should be bringing up to your first date. While it's perfectly normal to have a long-time crush on someone [5] that's always in the back of your mind as a potential dating prospect, it's best to keep their name to yourself while on a date with someone new.
Family Issues
It's more than OK to have family issues or problems, but the first time going out with someone isn't usually the time or place to bring it up. While you always want to be honest with someone you can see yourself in a relationship with, first dates should be fun and light!
Bedroom Preferences
Unless you're only interested in hooking up with your date (which is totally fine!), you should hold off on sharing your bedroom preferences with them until you reach a more intimate stage.
Financial Woes
If your checking account currently matches your age or you're struggling to get your finances in order, letting your date know during your first night out can make things awkward, especially when the bill comes.
Embarrassing Drunk Stories
If you've had a few unruly, alcohol-induced nights out with friends (and honestly, who hasn't?), the funny stories are probably best kept a secret for now. Your date might not find your drunken encounters as cute or funny as you remember them.
Your Future Together
If first dates could come equipped with a warning sign, talking about your timeline to have kids, get married, or even spend the future with the person you just started seeing would definitely set it off . . . big time. Wait until you're in an established, romantic relationship to bring these topics up.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to speaking with a partner about sexually transmitted diseases [6]. Even if sex does come up in conversation on the first date, though, you don't need to explain that you have one (if you do) until you're certain a sexual encounter is actually going to happen. Same with asking them about their sexual health until you're both ready.
Just Yourself
A first date is all about sharing who you are with the new person you're seeing, but make sure the conversation is even on both sides. You need to learn who the other person is, too, and not spend the entire time talking about yourself.
Weird Habits
Word vomit happens to the best of us. Just try your best to refrain from talking about certain topics when you're nervous, like any weird or strange habits you might have. If the other person sticks around, those will definitely come out later.
Your Ex
Even when you're in a committed relationship, it's still not always OK to talk about ex partners. So bringing them up on a first date won't go over so well, either.