Meeting someone new can be exciting—or, let’s face it, a little nerve-wracking. But the quickest way to derail a potential new friendship is to say something awkward, thoughtless, or downright rude. First impressions are everything, and some comments are better left unsaid. Here are 15 things you should definitely avoid saying if you want to start off on the right foot.
1. “You Look Tired.”
Why do people think this is okay to say? Pointing out that someone looks tired—or anything less than amazing—comes off as critical, not caring. Never comment on someone’s appearance, especially if they’re a stranger. Instead, try something friendly like, “It’s great to meet you!” Keep the vibe positive and leave the unsolicited observations at home.
2. “How Much Money Do You Make?”
ShutterstockThis is a one-way ticket to making things awkward. Asking about someone’s finances when you’ve just met them screams nosy and inappropriate. Instead, stick to light, neutral topics. There’s plenty of time to get to know each other without diving straight into personal bank statements.
3. “Why Are You Still Single?”
This might seem harmless, but it’s loaded with a ton of judgment. It implies that being single is something to fix—or worse, that it’s a flaw. No one owes you an explanation about their relationship status, so just let it go and focus on what makes them interesting, not their dating history.
4. “What Do You Weigh?”
Who asks this? Seriously. Weight is personal, and no one wants it brought up by someone they barely know. This question isn’t just rude—it’s invasive. If you wouldn’t want someone asking you, don’t ask them. Let’s leave body comments out of the conversation altogether.
5. “Are You Pregnant?”
Unless someone outright tells you they’re expecting, do not, under any circumstances, ask this question. Assuming someone is pregnant can lead to some of the most awkward and offensive moments imaginable. Trust us on this one, if they want you to know, they’ll tell you.
6. “You Remind Me of Someone…”
While this might sound like a fun icebreaker, it can go bad fast. If the person you’re comparing them to isn’t flattering—or even if it is—they’re likely to feel boxed in or even offended. Instead of comparisons, focus on what makes the person in front of you unique.
7. “How Old Are You?”
Age is just a number, but asking someone their age too soon can feel intrusive. Some people are sensitive about it, and honestly, it’s not relevant when you’ve just met. Let the conversation flow naturally and leave age-related questions for later—if ever.
8. “Why Don’t You Have Kids?”
ShutterstockThis is another loaded question that can touch on personal pain, lifestyle choices, or things they’d rather not discuss. Whether they’ve chosen not to have kids or circumstances prevented it, this is a topic that should only come up if they decide to share it. Respect their boundaries and keep it light.
9. “What Happened to Your Hair?”
Commenting on someone’s appearance—especially in a way that could be seen as critical—is a big no-no. Whether it’s their hair, clothes, or makeup, opinions that no one asked you for will only make them uncomfortable. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
10. “I Heard You Were…”
ShutterstockBringing up gossip or secondhand info is an immediate vibe killer. It makes the person wonder who’s been talking about them and what else has been said. Stick to fresh, positive topics and let them share their story in their own words.
11. “What’s Your Political View?”
ShutterstockPolitics is a conversation minefield, especially with someone new. Diving into such a divisive topic can quickly turn things tense. Save the heavy discussions for when you’ve built a rapport and can have a respectful exchange—this isn’t the time or place.
12. “You Should Smile More.”
Oh, the classic. Telling someone to smile is not the compliment you think it is—in fact, it’s hugely patronizing. Let people express themselves however, they feel comfortable. If they’re not smiling, it’s not your job to “fix” them. Just let them be.
13. “I Bet You’re One of Those People Who…”
ShutterstockMaking assumptions about someone you just met is not only risky—it’s rude. People don’t want to be pigeonholed into a stereotype based on a few minutes of interaction. Instead, ask open-ended questions and let them tell you who they are.
14. “How Much Was That?”
Whether it’s their car, their bag, or their outfit, asking the price of something feels shallow and can make things awkward. It sends the message that you’re more interested in their stuff than them as a person. Compliments are fine—just don’t cross the line into nosy territory.
15. “You’re So Different From What I Expected.”
This might sound like a compliment, but it’s not. It suggests you had preconceived notions about them, and no one wants to feel judged before they’ve even had a chance to make their own impression. Keep it simple and focus on the here and now.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
