Conversation taboos: Politics and religion given a wide berth at the dinner table
POLITICS and religion are the traditional conversational taboos given a wide berth at the dinner table.
Politics and religion have been replaced by money and finance as dinner taboos
But those topics have been replaced by the subject of money and personal finances, according to a new survey.
As many as 13million Britons admit to feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed discussing most kinds of financial affairs with family or friends.
In fact, people would rather talk about religion and politics than their finances and savings at a dinner party, found a poll of 2,008 UK consumers by online mortgage broker habito.
You don’t have to bring your bank statement to dinner, but it’s time we faced our fears of talking about personal finances whether that’s with friends and families or professionals
Today, the top five conversations to avoid are sex, family arguments, medical concerns, money and personal beauty regimes.
Of those who find discussing mortgages and buying a property awkward, 31 per cent say it is because of their lack of knowledge, while one in 10 think the subject is inappropriate in public.
Residents of Brighton and Birmingham feel the most uneasy with about one in three avoiding conversations about savings, pensions, mortgages and money in general.
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Londoners and those in Belfast are also likely to shun discussions based on finances, the research said.
But the most laid back when mentioning their money matters are those living in Norwich at 16 per cent and Leeds on 19 per cent.
Daniel Hegarty, chief executive and founder of habito, said: “Whether it’s because we’re living up to our reserved British personas, or we’re just not engaging due to lack of understanding, money and savings have been a dirty words for long enough.
People may find the discussion of mortgages awkward because of their lack of knowledge
“You don’t have to bring your bank statement to dinner, but it’s time we faced our fears of talking about personal finances whether that’s with friends and families or professionals.
“It could mean finding a great mortgage deal, investment for your business or just much needed financial advice. Given today’s current affairs, it’s certainly a more rewarding dinner conversation.”
Beauty regimes was also a topic to avoid
Topping the list of uncomfortable conversations, 40 per cent of those surveyed admitted they blush when talking about sex, and 45 per cent of women feel uncomfortable talking about their relationships with family, compared to 35 per cent of men.
Up to 40% of those surveyed blushed when talking about sex
Of dinner party guests in Edinburgh -11 per cent would feel the least awkward if family gossip is brought up around the table, yet 35 per cent of those living in Glasgow would find it difficult to reveal domestic secrets.