We’ve all had those awkward moments in conversation where the other person’s topic choice makes us cringe—or maybe even want to disappear altogether.
Sometimes, people just don’t realize the impact of what they’re saying. Other times, it’s a sign that they don’t quite know how to navigate social norms.
I’ve had my fair share of these encounters, where it’s clear that social finesse isn’t exactly their strongest suit.
What really gets me curious is why some folks keep bringing up subjects that most of us learn to handle with more tact.
So today, let’s dig into six of these subjects that, when mentioned too casually or too soon, can make people question your social skills—and maybe even head for the nearest exit.
1. Highly personal financial details
One time, I was at a casual work mixer and got stuck talking to someone who couldn’t stop talking about money—specifically, their salary.
They went from sharing the exact figure they earned last month to bragging about their bonuses. If that wasn’t enough, they asked me how much I made, which put me in an immediate state of discomfort.
There’s a difference between discussing general financial topics like budgeting or investments and going into explicit details about your income or net worth.
When people dive straight into the nitty-gritty of how much they earn, it can come across as boastful or invasive.
Discussing money in a conversation isn’t inherently taboo, especially if it’s part of a mutual exchange of tips or a transparent chat about finances among close friends.
But if someone repeatedly broadcasts their wealth or tries to pry into how much you have in your bank account, it often signals an insensitivity to social cues.
Good conversationalists pick up on when certain topics make others uncomfortable.
Someone who zeroes in on salaries and investments, especially in a gathering where such personal information isn’t relevant, usually hasn’t mastered that emotional radar that tells them when to stop.
2. Abruptly diving into controversial beliefs
There’s no denying that sensitive topics like religion or politics can fuel animated discussions. However, it’s all about timing, context, and approach.
When someone launches into a passionate debate about hot-button issues the minute you meet them, it tends to raise a few eyebrows.
Conversations about deep personal convictions often require a certain level of familiarity and mutual respect. If you barely know each other, it can feel like a social ambush.
Beyond the immediate discomfort, pushing personal beliefs on strangers or casual acquaintances can make them feel trapped.
If you’re sharing a viewpoint without any regard for the other person’s comfort, or if you aren’t open to hearing their perspective, it signals an inability to adapt socially.
According to Verywell Mind, one hallmark of strong interpersonal skills is the capacity for empathy and understanding. People with lower social intelligence tend to ignore those signals, bulldozing through personal preferences in favor of pushing their own agenda.
3. Hyper-detailed personal health stories
I still remember sitting in a waiting room, listening to a woman I’d just met explain every graphic detail of her recent stomach issues.
At first, I tried to be polite—maybe she needed reassurance. But then she started describing symptoms in such depth that I could feel my appetite disappearing. It took every ounce of willpower not to excuse myself and bolt out the door.
While health concerns can be a normal topic among close friends or family, there’s a line between casual sharing and a deep dive into TMI territory.
People with better social instincts sense whether it’s appropriate to talk about sensitive health matters. They’re also mindful about how much detail is really needed or wanted.
On the other hand, those with weaker social skills may overshare, either out of nervousness or a misguided attempt to connect.
Oversharing not only makes listeners squeamish but also puts a big spotlight on the speaker’s lack of awareness. In casual or professional settings, such detailed health talk can disrupt the vibe, leaving others feeling uneasy or even grossed out.
4. Stereotypical or offensive jokes
Humor can break down walls and build rapport, but it can also destroy a conversation if it comes wrapped in offensive remarks.
Jokes aimed at someone’s race, religion, gender, or background typically signal a disregard for basic respect.
In my experience, people who rely on these sorts of jokes often lack the social acumen to understand when they’ve crossed a line—or they simply don’t care.
Neither quality is appealing, especially in group settings where diversity is likely.
It’s important to differentiate between gentle, good-natured humor and jokes that punch down or demean others.
Strong communicators can make people laugh without making them uncomfortable, but those who bring up discriminatory subjects typically fail to see why their words are hurtful.
Psychology Today has an interesting article on how humor, when used mindfully, can create bonding. But using humor to tear others down or perpetuate harmful stereotypes is a glaring sign of subpar social awareness.
5. Gossip with no filter
Gossip might be tempting, especially when it’s laced with drama or scandal. But constantly throwing others under the bus can be a clear sign that someone struggles with social empathy.
I’ve been at social gatherings where a person walked in and immediately dished out every rumor about mutual acquaintances—sometimes even about people we didn’t know.
The whole interaction felt toxic and left me wondering what they might say about me when I wasn’t around.
The biggest problem with unfiltered gossip is that it sabotages trust. If you’re willing to spill someone else’s personal business to me, what’s to stop you from spilling mine to someone else?
People with high emotional intelligence generally avoid petty gossip because they’re aware of the damage it can cause.
Meanwhile, chronic gossipers often can’t sense how uncomfortable it makes others feel.
Instead of bonding over negativity, strong communicators find common ground or shared interests—something that promotes mutual respect rather than suspicion.
6. Inappropriate bragging about personal achievements
Not too long ago, I was at a conference mixer and encountered someone who turned every topic into an excuse to toot their own horn.
We could be talking about the weather, and somehow they’d find a way to mention how they had just secured a major contract for their business or how they scored a perfect rating in some niche competition.
At first, it seemed harmless—everyone gets excited about their achievements now and then. But after ten minutes, it was painfully clear that they thrived on self-praise.
Bragging in and of itself might not always be terrible if done sparingly or in context. But relentlessly highlighting achievements, while ignoring other people’s contributions or experiences, is a major social misstep.
People with a balanced level of self-awareness know that self-promotion isn’t always welcome, especially in casual conversation.
When someone brings it up constantly, it can feel like a competitive assault rather than a friendly chat.
The aim becomes overshadowing others instead of learning about them. It’s the sort of conversation style that leaves you feeling drained, not inspired.
Wrapping up
There’s a reason some topics belong in particular circles or at certain stages of a relationship.
We all slip up once in a while, especially when we’re stressed or eager to impress.
But repeating these habits suggests a deeper struggle with empathy, emotional intelligence, or the basic skill of reading a room.
The good news is that social skills aren’t set in stone. Listening, picking up on nonverbal cues, and genuinely caring about how others feel can all be learned or improved over time.
If you’ve caught yourself veering into awkward topics or oversharing, there’s room to tweak your approach and strengthen your connections.
Small shifts in how we communicate can yield huge payoffs in the quality of our personal and professional relationships—and that’s something well worth exploring.
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