Conversation topics at social events – what is and isn’t acceptable.
Social events can be exciting yet nerve-wracking, especially when meeting new people for the first time. Whether you are attending a meeting to meet British Chinese friends, networking, or finding connections through an East Asian dating app in the UK, knowing what to talk about (and what to avoid) is essential. The proper conversation topics can help build trust, while the wrong ones might make things awkward. So, how do you strike the right balance? Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of social event conversations. What To Talk About: Engaging & Acceptable Topics Ask Open-Ended Questions The best way to keep a conversation moving is by asking open-ended questions. Instead of simply saying, "How are you?" and getting a one-word answer like "Fine," try asking, "How was your journey here?" or "What are you drinking tonight?" The move away from generic questions forces the respondent to think about their reply, and to offer something more interesting to start a conversation. Find Common Interests People connect best over shared hobbies. Whether it is food, music, travel, or TV shows, having a shared interest helps build a quick bond. If you are meeting someone from Hong Kong, you may want to ask what their favourite cantonese restaurant is. In group settings, avoid asking personal questions, or ones that may isolate other people in the circle. For example, if people are from all parts of East Asia, you may want to avoid talking about Hong Kong the entire time, and instead focus on more inclusive topics, such as popular Netflix shows, or a famous landmark in the UK. There is nothing more awkward than two people discussing very niche topic, shutting off everyone else in the circle. Being inclusive can win you points on politeness and consideration. Share Something Interesting Conversations should be a two-way street. Instead of only asking questions, share something interesting about yourself. It does not have to be overly personal—maybe a fun travel story, a cool fact about a skill, or an interesting cultural experience. If you are looking to meet British Chinese people, talking about something relatable to your bicultural identity, can help break the ice. Go Beyond Small Talk While small talk is a good introduction, try to take the conversation deeper once you feel relaxed. When someone asks “how are you?”, instead of just saying, "I am fine," build on it by adding, "I’m feeling energised after my gym session this morning", or “looking forward to my Easter holiday”. This prompts the other person to participate and share their thoughts. What To Avoid: Off-Limit Topics While honesty and openness are great, some topics are best left unchecked in a social setting. Here are a few things to steer clear of: Salary and Financial Matters Money talk can make people nervous, especially in a group setting. Avoid "How much do you earn?" or "What did your holiday cost?" It is best to keep business talks secret unless you are close to the person. Age and Personal Details Asking someone’s age, relationship status, or personal information like weight or health can feel invasive. If you really want to know this information, they may either offer it up voluntarily, or another subject may expose some of this information, i.e. when they went to school could give you an indication of their age. Let the conversation run naturally and don’t force personal information out of your subject. Religion and Politics These topics can be controversial, especially at social events where people come from different backgrounds. While it is fine to discuss cultural customs, avoid discussing opinions or political views unless you know the group is open to that kind of conversation. Criticism of Others Gossip and criticism can quickly bring down the mood. Avoid talking about others in a way that could be seen as critical or insulting. You may also damage your own trustworthiness and integrity by talking about others. As the saying goes, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it at all. How Maccha Helps Break the Ice If starting conversations at social events feels overwhelming, Maccha is here to help. As the best East Asian dating app in the UK, it provides a place to meet like-minded people and ease into conversations online before taking things offline. With Maccha, you can connect with others in the British-Chinese and ESEA communities, find shared hobbies, and get to know someone in a relaxed setting before meeting in person. Whether you are looking for friendship, dating, or expanding your social group, Maccha makes it easy to find real connections. Wrapping Up Navigating conversations at social events does not have to be complicated. You can create enjoyable exchanges by focusing on interesting topics, asking open-ended questions, and ignoring sensitive subjects. If you are looking to meet British Chinese friends, date through an East Asian dating app in Europe, or simply expand your network in England, being aware of what you say can make all the difference. And with Maccha, breaking the ice and starting conversations has never been easier. So, next time you find yourself at a social event, use these tips to keep the conversation moving and make connections that indeed count.
How to build your confidence and get what you want
Confidence is key in many areas of life, from career growth to social relationships and dating. However, for many people, especially those from minority communities, confidence may not come as naturally. In Asian culture, humility is highly valued, and playing down one's skills is seen as a trait. But in the UK, where boldness is often necessary to be heard, this can sometimes cause a challenge when connecting with others, especially in social or dating settings. So, how do you build confidence while keeping true to yourself? Whether you want to meet British Chinese friends, expand your social group, or try dating through an East Asian dating app in the UK, these tips will help you step out of your comfort zone and get what you want. Understand the Cultural Differences and Adapt In Asian culture, modesty is deeply ingrained, and speaking too confidently about your skills or successes can be seen as vanity. On the other hand, in the UK, self-promotion is often essential to stand out, whether in job interviews, social events, or dating. This does not mean you need to change who you are. Instead, learn to combine humility with self-assurance. It is okay to stress your skills and share your views freely. Practice speaking up in group settings and sharing your ideas with confidence. Over time, this will become second nature. Prepare Conversation Points One of the biggest confidence killers is not knowing what to say. If you often find yourself stuck in talks, a little planning can go a long way. Before the event, ensure you know everyone’s names and interests. Prioritise who you wish to speak to and work according to your list when you’re in the room. Prepare some subjects to raise when in conversation, so you never have awkward silences. When in conversation, ask questions, and find ‘hooks’ of common interests to expand on. Likewise, when asked questions, offer answers that may provide hooks on subjects you wish to talk about. All of this may seem complicated to remember, but with practice, you will become a natural. Dress the Part Confidence is not just about how you speak but also about how you show yourself. Dressing well can quickly make you feel more self-assured. This does not mean you must wear something flashy or outside your comfort zone. Instead, focus on clothes that make you feel good and show your identity. When using an East Asian dating app in England or meeting someone new, dressing carefully shows effort and respect. Whether it is a casual meet-up or a formal event, wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel relaxed can boost your confidence quickly. Speak with Conviction How you say something is just as important as what you say. A strong, steady voice naturally commands respect and makes people listen. If you mumble or speak too softly, practice speaking at a slightly higher volume and with clear articulation. Avoid phrases like "I don’t know if this makes sense" or "Sorry, but I think..." These weaken your statements. Instead, speak confidently: "I believe..." or "This is how I see it..." Small changes in phrasing can make a big difference in how people perceive you. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Building confidence is like training a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Challenge yourself to try new experiences, even if they initially feel slightly uncomfortable. This could be: Making the first move in conversations Showing up in new circles by yourself Branching out to speak to people from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences Every time you push yourself beyond your comfort zone, your confidence grows. Use Maccha to Break the Ice If meeting new people feels scary, the Maccha app can make things easier. As a top app for meeting British-Chinese and East Asians in the UK, Maccha helps connect like-minded people in the British, Chinese and ESEA communities. Whether you are looking for company, dating, or important ties, the app allows you to find people who share your background and hobbies. Maccha takes the heat off by allowing you to start talks online before meeting in person. You can chat, find shared ground, and build relationships in a friendly setting. It is the best way to ease into social conversations and gain confidence before taking things offline. Surround Yourself with Confident People Confidence is contagious. Being around self-assured, upbeat people can inspire you to adopt the same attitude. Spend time with friends who push you to be bold, take risks, and believe in yourself. If you are using an Asian dating app like Maccha, look for people who boost you and bring out your best traits. Observing how confident people carry themselves, talk, and handle situations can teach you important lessons in self-assurance. Keep Practicing and Be Patient Building confidence is a journey, not an overnight change. There will be times of self-doubt, but do not let them discourage you. Every talk, social contact, and new experience adds to your growth. Over time, what once felt tough will become second nature. Wrapping Up Confidence is a strong tool that helps you get what you want—whether that is important friendships, exciting dating experiences, or simply feeling more comfortable in social settings. The ESEA community in the UK faces unique challenges due to cultural differences, but with practice and the right attitude, you can solve them. By planning talking points, dressing the part, speaking with confidence, and going out of your comfort zone, you will find yourself becoming more self-assured. And with sites like Maccha, meeting new people becomes faster and more fun. So, take that first step, put yourself out there, and start building the confidence to connect, grow, and thrive in the UK. Who knows? Your next great friendship or love link might be just one talk away.