U.S. Immigration Guide: As is well known, Americans are known for being talkative; they always have endless topics to discuss and truly enjoy the art of conversation. However, even for such talkative people, there are certain topics that should be avoided. Therefore, when chatting with talkative Americans, be sure to avoid the following topics:
"Age"
For many Americans, age is a very sensitive issue, especially for women over thirty. In this culture that prizes youth, the thought of aging is painful. Most people, if they can, would rather not touch upon it. Therefore, many Americans strive to maintain a youthful appearance, and the question they least want to be asked is, "How old are you?" Americans' views on age are quite different from ours. In our country, the elderly are respected. However, in the United States, elderly people do not like others to compliment them on their age. Once, Chinese students held a grand party in a U.S. city, with many guests in attendance. The president of a prestigious local university and her mother also attended. In the welcome speech, the students said, "We are honored by the presence of the elderly Mrs. XX." In China, the word "elderly" is a term of respect, but it unexpectedly offended the lady. Her expression changed instantly, she became extremely embarrassed, and she never appeared at a Chinese student gathering again.
"Weight"
Americans are very conscious of their weight and rarely disclose it, even if they are thin and in good shape. Therefore, it is best not to ask. If you must comment, saying "Oh, you look like you've lost a few pounds" is safer than "Oh, you look like you've gained a few pounds." However, if you want to be honest without being hurtful, I suggest choosing your words carefully; perhaps you could say, "Hey, you look great and very healthy." Just remember, it's not fat, it's muscle.
"Income"
Never ask how much someone earns; it is not a topic for discussion. However, you can ask about their job title and what they do for a living. This information can give you an idea of how much they earn annually.
"Personal Matters"
This is a delicate issue. Sometimes you will meet people who are eager to confide in you. However, some people always ensure their private affairs remain unknown to outsiders. The general rule is: do not be too eager to discuss personal matters with others, and do not make people feel like you are prying into their lives. Therefore, do not ask too many questions about others' love lives, marriages, or family situations. It should be noted that Christians view suicide as a sin, and in the United States, the topic of "suicide" is unwelcome; it is best to avoid it whenever and wherever possible.
"Politics"
The U.S. is filled with various political views, and the range of mainstream opinions is much broader than in some other countries. Just look at any U.S. presidential election, and you will feel that their political system is far from as civilized as one might imagine. I am not saying that discussing politics in the U.S. is an unforgivable taboo, but I advise you that if you are not prepared for a vigorous debate, it is better not to start the topic.
"Religion"
Similarly, although the U.S. is a relatively religious country, personal faith rarely appears in daily conversation. It is better to start discussing religious backgrounds or activities only after you have gotten to know the other person a bit better. Faith is also considered a private matter (even though it plays a very important role in American public life, especially among politicians who are keen to swear their loyalty to their faith).
"Soccer"
First, it must be pointed out that here we are discussing "soccer," not American football. Americans are very proud of their native sports such as baseball and American football, while professional soccer is relatively niche. Americans prefer to blend sports events with their patriotism and game-day snacks. If you insist on discussing soccer with a die-hard American sports fan, start with the basics—and then be prepared for a storm of resistance from Americans toward this sport that is popular throughout the rest of the world!
