We all know that one older family member who always seems to ask the most awkward questions at gatherings. We roll our eyes, chuckle, and carry on as usual. Someone will inevitably say, “Oh, Uncle Joe, you can’t say things like that!” Or perhaps, “Come on, Joe, it’s not the 1950s anymore!” We share a few more laughs, pour another glass of wine, and the moment fades into memory until the next family dinner.
But now it seems that it’s not just Uncle Joe who has a knack for saying the wrong thing. In today’s world, the list of forbidden topics has grown exponentially. Articles upon articles highlight how some subjects have become off-limits, even though they have been the center of discussion since the beginning of time.
Taboo Conversation Points
As it stands, here are some conversation points that are currently considered taboo:
- Asking a single person when they plan to find a partner
- Inquiring when a couple will “finally tie the knot”
- Questioning couples about when they intend to start a family
- Asking new parents about adding to their brood
- Wondering if parents with multiple kids will ever stop having children
- Speculating on a baby’s last name
- Discussing whether a child will participate in any significant religious traditions
- Suggesting that boys should play football
- Suggesting that girls shouldn’t play football
- Commenting on a child’s perceived traits, like saying a boy is “so boyish” or a girl is “adorably pretty”
- Talking about the benefits of breast milk
- Inquiring about different brands of formula
- Attempting to pronounce a child’s name
- Discussing the struggles of being a stay-at-home or working parent
- Sharing parenting stories at work — unless, of course, you’re a dad, in which case it makes you seem relatable and well-rounded
To avoid any drama, maybe it’s best to steer clear of discussions about relationships (including those anticipated milestones) and children (including everything from birthing to entertaining them).
Why the Fuss?
So, why all the fuss about these topics? Here’s the deal: You simply don’t know. You don’t know who’s facing a breakup, who’s dealing with infertility, or who has decided not to have kids for personal reasons. You don’t know which parent is anxious about their child playing a sport or who has spent ages perfecting their child’s name only to hear it mispronounced.
Yet, it’s hard not to talk about them. It’s your perpetually single colleague who just had a disastrous date, and you’re dying to hear every detail. It’s your best friend who is finally joining you in the parenting journey, and you’re eager to discuss everything from epidurals to diaper blowouts, but she’s feeling overwhelmed by it all.
Finding a Better Approach
So how about this? Wait until they bring it up. Wait until they ask for your advice (which might not happen, in which case, just move on). Wait until they introduce you to their new baby with the unique name (or, like my little one, the three-letter name that still gets butchered). Focus on having genuine conversations instead of interrogations.
Or, just switch to a different topic altogether. Perhaps politics? That’s sure to be controversy-free, right?
Further Reading
For more insightful discussions surrounding home insemination, check out this article on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, Make a Mom offers a wealth of information and resources. For in-depth insights on pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF is an excellent place to explore.
Summary
Navigating conversations about personal topics like relationships and parenting can be tricky, as many subjects are now considered inappropriate. It’s important to be sensitive to others’ experiences while balancing your own curiosity. Instead of asking intrusive questions, try to engage in more meaningful dialogue and wait for others to open up about their lives.