First dates can make you axious and overly talkative. If your shy, you may share too much in attempt to overcorrect. A lull in your conversation -- especially on a first date -- does not always need to be filled. Your mind is tricking you; what feels like minutes is really only a few seconds. Remember that it's only awkward if you make it awkward!
Certain topics of conversation should be saved for further down the line and can hurt your chances of a second date when brought up too soon. Keep these personal details secret and save yourself the embarassment.
1. Mental health
Whether pertaining to the conversation or not, therapy does not need to be discussed on your first date. Your potential partner will need to know down the road if you struggle with crippling depression or issues with intimacy. Being open is good, but it's better to wait until you disclose the particulars (like how often you attend therapy). Your date might find it overwhelming and reject your next invitation.
2. Work
Don't talk about your job -- even if you met there! Maybe your date is a co-worker, but I'm sure neither of you prefer to think about work after hours. Your office and your boss are mundane, boring conversation stallers. Not everyone likes their job or wants to bring it up. They might even be self-conscious about where they are in their career. And if it's complex, they'll spend more time explaining it than getting to know you. Rather than work gossip, share your ambitions for the future.
3. Medical procedures
Assuming your first encounter includes eating, which most do, refrain from bringing up anything gross. That includes recent surgeries and anything involving blood. A lot of people will get squeamish and lose their appetites. While you're at it, no fart jokes! It's crass to discuss bodily functions at dinner. You want the other person to see you in the best light instead of picturing you recovering from a colonoscopy.
4. Your ex
This should be a no-brainer, because nothing ruins the moment quicker than talking about an ex. If you complain about your previous relationship, you appear bitter and hostile. Your date will spend the rest of the night wondering if there is another side to the story. They might even wonder how you'll bad mouth them to others at the end of the date. However, revealing only positive atttributes of your past relationship will look as though you're still emotionally invested. There's no good way to bring up your ex; it's a lose-lose situation.
5. Financial history
No one just chats about money. We either brag or stress, and neither of those are traits we want to display on a first date. Long-term and married couples often find this topic dangerous, so it should be totally off limits with a person you barely know. Keep the conversation light and jovial. You want your date to have a good time!
6. Controversial subjects
Politics. Religious beliefs. Addictions. Your first date should not touch upon anything heated. Anything remotely politicized can create dissonance -- even if you're on the same page. Perhaps one of you has strong convictions and the other sits on the fence. Further down the line, this would not cause a problem. You could even change their mind to see things your way. So give it time, and leave the intense debating until you know more superficial things about each other -- like if you like the same music or prefer dogs to cats.
7. Sex
Your sexual history should not come up for a while. You date probably won't appreciate you talking about how many sexual encounters you've had or how often you date. For one, you'll present yourself as uninterested in monogamy. Mentioning how hot your date is or how you can't wait to get them alone is also a no-no. You can compliment them without coming on so strongly. It's distasteful to describe how turned on you are; the date will end early if your date feels uncomfortable.
8. Deep secrets
There's a reason it's a secret. Don't dispense confidential information before the other person earns your trust -- even if you connect very early on. These revelations will leave a lasting impression in your date's mind which may not reflect who you are as a person. Allow your potential mate to develop an attachment before shining a light on those skeletons in your closet.
The next time you experience a lag in a first date conversation, don't immediately try to fill the silence. Conversation should be a rhythm you fall into. Don't grasp at words -- just allow it to flow naturally. Let your natural chemistry do the work and focus on getting to know the other person. Ask your date interesting questions without interrogating them.
And if your date gets nervous enough to bring up one of these topics, laugh it off and give them the benefit of the doubt. They clearly didn't consult Pyar.com like you did!