And your mum?
Not particularly funny this one, just sharing.

All my first dates go the same way every time. We get on well, talking about the usual first date subjects, and every thing's going great. Then the subject will inevitably turn to things like "do you live near your parents? What do they do for a living?" etc. "Oh," I will reply, "my dad's retired now, but he used to be a radio engineer". Then she will say "and your mum?", to which I reply, "She died".

Boom! Headshot. Conversation's deader than my old mum. I think I might just start lying and saying she's fine and still working at a funny farm.
( Damocles wants no part of your debauchery, Thu 12 May 2011, 14:39, 9 replies)

Could you not pre-empt this?
With saying "Dad is... *BLAH* but my mum is pushing up the daisies?" or do you not fancy these people enough to try?
( M3rx likes the Asian ladies, Thu 12 May 2011, 14:51, closed)

I don't want to come across
as sounding callous. I usually try and steer away from parental conversation, but they always come back round to it because it's an easy and "safe" first date topic.
( Damocles wants no part of your debauchery, Thu 12 May 2011, 14:55, closed)

Indeed
I know the "safe" awkwardness well, I was just recounting a story in another post when, in a bid to come up with something original, the girl asked me to tell her a joke...
( M3rx likes the Asian ladies, Thu 12 May 2011, 14:59, closed)

You should tell them, that's probably the problem.
Just say your dad's doing well despite missing your mother.
Your mother dying fairly young is an important part of who you are and telling someone earlier on lets them know your honest and is also helpful to them so they know not to ask.
Edit: "Date Questions", as I call them, do piss me off -- wanting to know your family history and the like on a first date is boring and tedious. I'd rather get to know how someone thinks and learn things in a more natural way.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 12 May 2011, 18:47, closed)

Really?
My dad died years ago, and if it came up on dates it was never a problem.

Maybe it's the way you say it?

e.g. if you burst into tears and wail it, you probably come across as a bit too damaged.

And if you punch the air, grin like a madman and shout it with glee...
( shinyshinyscalp less a man, more a way of life, Thu 12 May 2011, 16:43, closed)

I think it's the little
jig that pushes it too far.
( Damocles wants no part of your debauchery, Thu 12 May 2011, 17:23, closed)

Who are you calling a little jig?
(Chickenwire social lubricator extraordinaire, Thu 12 May 2011, 18:11, closed)

What? WHAT?
(Chickenwire social lubricator extraordinaire, Thu 12 May 2011, 18:11, closed)

Gary Coleman.
( flake has nothing against your right leg, Fri 13 May 2011, 1:19, closed)