With Valentine's Day 2025 just around the corner, the age-old tradition of romantic dinners and sweet gestures will again take center stage for those seeking love. But, for many, this year marks the occasion of their first date, stirring both excitement and anxiety about making the right impression. To help navigate this day, language-learning platform Preply has conducted research to shed light on conversation topics best avoided during these pivotal moments.
According to the survey carried out with 1,500 French individuals, certain subjects should definitely be kept off the table. Notably, discussions surrounding religion are seen as the biggest taboo. A significant 18% of respondents highlighted religion as a topic best avoided, often due to its personal nature which could lead to tension on awkward first meetings.
Hot on the heels of religion, topics like work and politics are high on the list of conversation killers as well. Seventeen percent deem discussions about work too mundane—after all, they’re hoping to win hearts, not interview for jobs. Politics, with its potential for heated debates, is also best saved for later stages of getting to know someone, with 16% advocating for its exclusion.
Money discussions are similarly off-limits: 14% of those surveyed avoid financial problem talks, particularly women, who find such conversations inappropriate during initial encounters. This reflects the delicate balance of sharing personal information without making one’s date uncomfortable.
Sexuality, though more lightly avoided by 13%, can also raise eyebrows if brought up too soon. Closed discussions about past relationships are considered delicate territory for 12% of French daters as they can feel like comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Modern dating has ushered us through fresh vocabularies and dynamics, and as highlighted by another survey from the dating app happn, the word “crush” has taken on new meaning. It describes the spark of attraction some might feel, often ignited fleetingly during daily interactions, such as meeting eyes across crowded stations. Strikingly, 29 % of French respondents admitted to having encountered their crushes at train stations, such as the Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles.
Terms like ‘love bombing’ or ‘ghosting’ have proliferated through social media and the dating world. Love bombing refers to when someone showers their partner with excessive affection at the beginning of the relationship, only to withdraw and create dependency later. Ghosting, on the other hand, infers simply disappearing from the dating scene altogether, often leaving individuals confused and heartbroken.
The survey also mentions the rise of ‘situationships’—a phenomenon defined by deep connections without labels, leaving partners caught up somewhere between romance and friendship. People might enjoy the moments spent together without the weight of commitment, though this collaboration can often lead to mismatched expectations. For those who navigate digitally-based relationships, accurately discerning between 'green flags'—signals of potential positive outcomes—and 'red flags,' warning signs of possible issues, has never been more important. This evaluation often becomes the crux of modern dating.
Reflecting on old adages and modern behaviors, it’s clear: avoiding certain conversation topics and being conscious of how we communicate can dramatically affect the success of romantic encounters. This Valentine's Day, as individuals prepare to impress their dates, fully engaging without delving too deep might just be the winning strategy.
Your first date could lead to love, laughter, or at the very least, new adventures. The blend of traditional dating nuances alongside modern online dynamics can both complicate and enrich the romantic experience. With thoughtful conversation and open communication—today's daters are poised to make Valentine’s 2025 one to treasure.