Tackling Taboo

What are taboo questions?

​Taboo questions are the kind of questions that can make a conversation go from chill to awkward in no time! They often dig into very personal areas like someone's health, money matters, or what we believe about big, thorny issues like politics or religion. While what's considered "too personal" can vary from one place to another, these are generally the questions that can make us feel uncomfortable or like we’re being put on the spot. 

How to Gracefully Avoid Unwanted Topics

When someone asks you a question that feels too personal or uncomfortable, it’s important to handle the situation gracefully. You can always decline the answer saying, for example:

• I need to give that more thought before I can talk about it.
• I'd rather not discuss that, if you don't mind.
• That’s actually something I'm not comfortable discussing.
• I have a policy of not discussing personal matters like that.
• I prefer to keep that to myself.

Key Tips for Navigating Sensitive Conversations

However, when you're gearing up to dive into a touchy subject, here are some easy and engaging tips to keep in mind:

• Check the Vibe: Make sure the other person is actually up for this kind of talk. Maybe start with, "Is it okey if we touch on a more serious topic?"
• Keep it Kind: Use words that show you care and respect their views, even if they're different from yours.
• Really Listen: Show you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, not just waiting to get your point across. Use your body language and both verbal and non-verbal cues to show your involvement in a conversation.
• Stay Open: Approach the conversation with the goal to learn something new, not to persuade. This is a unique opportunity to verify, solidify or extend your standing. Don't miss it! 
• Agree to Disagree: It’s totally fine if you don’t see eye to eye on everything. The goal isn't to win, but to understand each other better. Make sure you have a bunch of phrases for disagreement ready! Use those for example:

• I see your point, but …  Here’s why … 
• I understand where you're coming from, however … 
• That's an interesting perspective, but …
• That's a valid point, but …
• I respect your opinion, but ...