10 Topics Considered Taboo at Dinner Parties

Everyone loves a good dinner party. Time with friends or family, or friends and family, as well as good conversation and great food always gets the evening going in the right direction. Unfortunately, there are things that shouldn’t be discussed at the dinner party table as they are just social no-no’s in dinner talk, but there are some that just don’t understand these taboo topics and will often bring them up, quickly ending the great mood and often sparking up a bit of conflict and sour responses, which is just the reason they are so discouraged from arising at the dinner table at all. Whether with friends or family, there are just things that no one wants to talk about or topics that no one really wants to think about or discuss over dinner for many reasons, which can be understood with these 10 topics considered taboo at dinner parties that all should avoid at all costs.

1. Sex. Whether discussing your own sexual relationship, that of one of the dinner party guests, or that of anyone else, this is just not a conversation that should be brought up at the dinner table during any dinner party. This is a raunchy subject for any dinner and can quickly sour anyone’s mood, especially if they are offensive in this sort of conversation.
2. Money. If you had a good year or bad year, the bills you are currently paying, the downfall in the economy, or even a great bonus you just received, really money is a touchy topic for all people because a lot of people wish they were doing better and others don’t want to get into what they are currently earning, so this is a major taboo for dinner.
3. Religion. There have been several debates about religion, and there are certainly many different people in the world that can follow any belief. When you bring up religion during dinner, you find that there are a lot of people that get uncomfortable, whether they aren’t sure what they can say or just offensive at the religion you are discussing.
4. Politics. Politics aren’t taboo because people don’t like talking about politics, but when at the dinner table there is no reason to start spitting beliefs, theories, conspiracies, and offensive gabber at everyone because you believe Bush was right and your friend doesn’t. This is just what happens when politics is brought up which is why it is best left somewhere that has a lot more noise in case you just give up.
5. TMI (Too Much Information) Health Information. Announcing a new pregnancy is a lot different than discussing a nasty condition that you just suffered, how it plagued you, and just how you got over it. In fact, bringing up this information will likely have some of the dinner party guests excusing themselves from the table or doing that “I’m really uncomfortable” clearing of the throat.
6. Hygiene. Oh, did you brush your teeth 5 minutes ago and your daughter is currently potty training by telling you the poo-poo is coming and then squeezing her butt? Well, that is all good for you but if you are having a dinner party, this is just not the sort of thing everyone wants to hear while devouring a good plate of food.
7. Any previous fiascos at dinner involving those at the dinner party. Yeah you may think you are just joking around and bringing up something to laugh about, but the laughing can quickly turn into bickering and argument, as well as the end of the dinner party if those in the fiasco aren’t trying to relive the experience.
8. Family or other friend’s traditions not displayed in the current dinner party. You have great china but Sally uses this type of wonderful plate…, my mother serves a wonderful pie instead of cake…, these could be innocent comments, but they could ruin the dinner in a matter of minutes. Many people don’t want to be compared to others when they host a dinner party and if it isn’t a compliment, it’s taken as an offensive comment.
9. Off color humor. Jokes are always fun, but when you are pushing the boundaries, you just don’t want to do it at a dinner party. Off color humor is great for certain situations, but with a delicate situation like a dinner party, this type of humor just doesn’t work.
10. Comparisons of food. If you rather have one type of food but are served another, keep it to yourself. Bringing up better meals is just the worst thing you could start talking about at any dinner party, even if you have the best host in the world.

Dinner parties are always great, but you have to consider the many taboo topics that have been banned by all of society. They aren’t illegal topics and you may get away with bringing them up depending on who you are with, but in most cases, you should just leave these topics to another type of gathering.