topics not to talk about...

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I've had a real tough time trying to find things beside history, religion, politics, etc to discuss with new people when I try to either strike up a conversation with people to either make friends or break the ice when looking for a potential mate. What are some examples of topics to discuss when making general conversation with both males and females when trying to make friends, or breaking the ice with the opposite sex?

Traditionally, chatting about the weather has been the most common way to instigate small talk. Griping about the Government (the bureaucracy, not a specific political party) usually finds people in agreement, with various personal anecdotes they can toss into the mix.

Although I personally find Religion, Philosophy and Politics fascinating subjects, they are usually best avoided with people you do not know especially well, as its far too easy to make a remark that may differ widely from the other person's most cherished beliefs and immediately offend them.

Topics to avoid: Anything that's a matter of agree/disagree. If you are looking for a litmus test to see how sensitive she is, do not pick topics. Just talk to her. That's the best litmus test there is.

http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Conversa ... Talk-About

ask about books recently read or movies recently seen. favorite type of music with examples. hobbies. relationships with brothers and sisters. last vacation. favorite restaurant and menu item.

Growing up, kids were to be seen and not heard. You were not to have opinions because you were only a child. I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.

I hate the fact that we can't talk about topics that people disagree on (politics, philosophy, religion, history, economics, etc.). Sure people disagree, but why can't we just have a nice, calm chat about it? Most people either descend into cable news tirades or have no clue and/or no views about the topics. That, my friends, is the problem.

Anyway, I find that it depends upon people I know and don't know. If it's people I don't know, I try to find out a bit more about them. Where they go to school, what they're studying, job, hobbies, and things of the like. Depending upon the person, pets can be good topics. If I know the person, then I just ask about things I already know about them - how's school, any interesting courses, how their jobs are, family, etc.