How to Handle “Yap Trapping” a New Dating Trend

We’ve all been there—you’re on a date, hoping for a fun, two-sided conversation, but instead, it feels like you’re stuck in a one-person podcast. They talk, and talk… and talk some more, barely pausing to ask you anything. Annoying, right?

That’s not just bad manners—it’s part of a new dating trend called “yap trapping.”

At its core, a strong relationship is built on trust, respect, and open communication. Real conversations mean listening as much as talking, making space for each other’s thoughts and feelings. But when one person hogs the spotlight, it can leave the other feeling invisible and disrespected.

Shivani Misri Sadhoo, leading marriage and relationship counsellor, breaks down why yap trapping happens and shares how you can deal with it without losing your cool.

While we have all come across the modern dating terms like ghosting, breadcrumbing, nanoships, etc. Yap trapping is something that has taken the internet by storm, sparking debates about whether it’s playful banter or a subtle form of manipulation in the world modern dating.

What is Yap Trapping exactly?

Yap trapping is the latest dating trend where one person dominates the conversation by talking endlessly or over-explaining. On a date, yap trappers keep rambling about themselves as if the entire world revolves around them, leaving little to no space for the other person to speak. No matter what the topic is, they’ll always find a way to steer the conversation back to themselves.

Ways To Tackle Yap Trapping in Your Date

1. Balance The Banter

One way to handle a “yap trapper” is to gently step in and guide the conversation without making it feel awkward or rude. The trick is to keep things balanced while still showing interest. For example, you can wait for a natural pause and say something like, “That’s really interesting—actually, it reminds me of something I wanted to share…” Or you might ask a focused question that helps bring the exchange back to a two-way flow.

Don’t be surprised if they slip back into talking about themselves at first—that’s just their habit. The key is consistency. Each time the chat starts drifting, you can gently nudge it back, almost like guiding a river into its channel. Over time, those small adjustments set a soft boundary without making things tense.

After all, it’s a first date—you want to keep the conversation balanced while keeping the mood light and positive.

2. Have an Honest Conversation

Another approach to handling this situation is to have an open and honest conversation. It’s important to gently help the “yap trapper” understand that a conversation is a two-way street, not a one-sided performance.

You can express that a meaningful connection requires both people to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, rather than having one person do all the talking while the other merely listens.

Framing it kindly and with empathy can make the message easier to receive—after all, no one wants to feel criticised, but everyone can understand the value of mutual exchange. By setting this expectation upfront, you not only protect your own emotional energy but also encourage a more balanced, enjoyable interaction. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how much they dominate conversations, and a gentle, honest conversation can help them become more aware while fostering a genuine, reciprocal connection.

3. Pause the chatter

If your date is non-stop talking, it can feel exhausting and leave you little space to share your own thoughts. Sitting across from someone who dominates the conversation can make a date feel more like a lecture than a connection. The magic of a date comes from balance—a genuine exchange where both people feel seen, heard, and engaged. When someone talks incessantly, they’re often caught up in their own flow, forgetting that conversation is a two-way street.

You can gently break the pattern by changing the pace: lean forward, meet their gaze, and say something like, “I’m really curious about your thoughts, but I’d love to share something too.” If they keep dominating the conversation despite this, it’s a strong sign—they’re more focused on hearing themselves than on building a connection.

A truly enjoyable date comes from a balance of give and take, where both people contribute, laugh, and genuinely engage with each other, rather than sitting through a one-sided monologue.

4. Grab The Spotlight

Body language speaks volumes, especially on a date, where it can subtly convey your feelings without saying a word. If your date is talking non-stop, it’s okay to signal your disinterest gently—glance at your watch, scroll your phone briefly, or shift your posture to show you’d like to engage too. A date isn’t meant to be a monologue; it’s about mutual curiosity and connection. By using these subtle cues, you invite a more balanced conversation, giving yourself a chance to share your thoughts and stories. After all, the true essence of dating lies in both people genuinely getting to know each other.

Conclusion

If you are planning for your next date, focus on keeping the conversation balanced. Don’t be afraid to gently steer it, speak up, or use small cues to share your space. A good date is about both people being heard, laughing, and truly connecting.