You've got a first date coming up, what to talk about? Almost anything, within reason. Here are three topics that you will want to either handle gingerly or avoid completely on a first date:

Yourself - A first date is for getting to know each other. You may want to tell the person all about you but avoid this temptation. Instead, try to ask questions about them.

When you are asked questions by your date, you should of course answer them. Don't avoid the topic, just answer and then ask them the same question, or a different question along the same lines. This is a natural back-and-forth and doesn't make it look like you are trying to hide something.

Politics - Talking politics is always potentially dicey. Especially on a first date, you want to avoid this topic.

Sometimes you'll be talking and just stumble over politics, and find that you and the other person see eye to eye politically. If this is the case, great! You can continue to talk along this line if you want, to keep up the conversation.

If you can tell that you don't get along politically, you need to steer the conversation in another direction instead, as quickly as you can. Wait for a few more dates to talk politics.

Religion - Again, this is a fraught topic that can cause problems. Avoid it on a first date.

The only exception to this rule is in the case where you know ahead of time that you and your date agree on all religious matters; this can be the case where people who are very religious meet through a religious group or on a religious dating site. If this is the case, talk about religion may be appropriate.

Talking religion is a bad idea because if you disagree about religion, it can be a sticking point. Better to get to know each other a bit, and have a basis for a relationship, before starting a religious discussion with a potential partner.

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