ONLINE DATING
Online Conversation Starters to Break the Ice
Interested in someone online but have no clue what to say?
Chatting with someone online is pretty much like dating in person. You need to make the perfect first approach to get the ball rolling.
You may think that chatting online is easier because you have time to think about how to approach them. However, being tongue-tied for too long can dampen your chances.
That said, go beyond the predictable “Hello” or “How are you?” and connect more deeply with the person you like online. Here are some online conversation starters you can use.
1. Make a reference to their profile
Open a conversation with a question related to their profile information or photo. This shows that you’ve taken the time to scan through their page. Such a conversation also feels more natural than asking a question out of nowhere.
You can say something like the following:
“Hey, I see you love the outdoors. Do you like hiking?”
“Your cats are cute. What are their names?
“I’m a bookworm as well. What are you currently reading?”
2. Bring up a common holiday or event
Universal experiences, such as holidays, give you something in common to talk about. It can also be a springboard to share about life’s current events or fond memories.
For example, you can ask them:
“How was your Christmas celebration?”
“Where are you spending your summer break?”
“What do you like best about Thanksgiving?”
3. Share an anecdote
Be attentive to their stories. If they mention something you can relate to, don’t hesitate to say, “Me, too!”
Tell them about a similar experience and how you felt about it. Add a bit of detail so it doesn’t sound vague, but not too much, or it’ll be too long. The point is to have a give-and-take conversation, not a monologue.
4. Ask about their hometown
“Where are you from?” is one of the most engaging online conversation starters. Some people have lived in one place all their lives, while others have moved from one place to another, which makes their hometown a rich topic to explore.
It reveals much about one’s culture, upbringing, family, and other personal aspects. Also, how they ended up at their current location from their hometown is an interesting topic in itself.
5. Ask open-ended questions
Wherever your conversations take you, remember to ask open-ended questions. This allows you to branch out to other topics, deepening your exchange.
Also, when they bring up something that seems to have a backstory, try asking follow-up questions. However, don’t pry too much, lest they become hesitant to share.
Here are some examples:
“How did you get into photography?”
“What made you choose to study that major in college?”
“What is it like to be the only girl with four brothers?”
Captivate Your Date on Your First Chat
Getting to know someone is one of the most exciting and crucial phases of online dating. It’s when you can become closer to each other and decide whether you want to pursue a relationship.
Make the most of your initial interaction by brushing up on these online conversation starters. Make a positive first impression and captivate your date in your first chat.
