Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we spend more time online than ever. We work from home, chat with friends through video calls, and in between browsing social media. We need to re-think how to navigate online relationships in the fast-changing world. The risk of rejection feels higher than ever if you’re starting a conversation online. When firing off that first message there’s also an added layer of uncertainty.

You might have always thought that you did not need them yet, but you filled out your online dating profile. You chose your best profile picture, searched for potential matches, and found some that caught your attention. Must say it’s just a beginning and you don’t know how to kick start it. 

Your Hi will get a response, but the problem is, it can be an equally boring response. Composing the first message is as difficult as it could be introducing yourself to someone you want to leave an impression on. 

It should be to forward or pay a compliment directly? You should keep it simple or use or use a pick line? Make things more interesting instead of saying just hi or hello or hey. 

There is nothing to fear we are here to share some tips to make online dating more fun by trying one of these instead. Always remember that building a meaningful relationship online is almost similar to forming one in person. You need to make sure that your profile reflects who you are regardless of what platform you’re using. To give people something to start a conversation with, always mention some of your favorite things — movies, bands, and places on your profile. 

Here are some useful tips to start an online conversation or connections:

1. Start With Hi or Hello:

   When we meet someone for the first time we start with a simple hi or hello. So, let’s just use this tactic for online dating as well. It’s always polite, easy, and effective to introduce yourself with a Hi. But make things interesting with just a Hi and Hello. You can add on things like:

Hey, how is it going?

Hey, I never saw you here earlier?

1. Comment on His/Her Profile and Talk About It:

   Always, remember that making fun of someone in a light-hearted way helps you create an immediate intimacy and you will get to know if the other side is able to handle jokes in a light manner or not. Commenting on someone’s profile will mean that you have checked the profile thoroughly and are interested in him or her. Like:

Ohh, you like dancing? I like to dance too.

Ok, so you are learning cooking? I am a good cook too.

You are a pet lover. I have a pug too.

• Ask A Personal Question:

  It is one of the important dating tips. Trading personal stories are always the best way to start communication and take things forward. Everyone loves talking about themselves and you can give it a touch of compliments. You can just keep it light with conversations like:

What’s the most embarrassing thing you ever did in school?

What makes you happy?” 

What do you like the most? etc.

• Come to the Point:

  Coming straight to the point doesn’t mean that you need to be over-aggressive or forward. It is just that you are interested in someone and there is no harm in expressing your feelings. So be clear about your feeling and this is the reason you signed up for a dating website. Some examples:

I found your profile interesting.

I would like to know more about your profile? 

I think we can hit it off.

I think we can make a great pair.

• Suggest Meeting for Date:

  Yes, you may feel it’s a little risky or a little bold. It’s a fact that people waste most of their time sending messages. It may sound gusty to ask someone straight for a date but it will clearly send a message that you are interested in someone and express your level of interest. You can ask:

If you are interested, we can catch up over a cup of coffee.

We can meet for dinner sometime at your favourite restaurant if you are free.

• Send an Invite Coded in Emojis:

  The use of tiny pictures instead of words makes asking someone out less intimidating. Additionally, you’re demonstrating your prowess with an iPhone and testing his ability to translate pictures.

• Always Be Yourself:

  Never forget that you are good enough. Always be authentic when you research out to someone and give them a sense of confidence you have. If he/she senses that you’re confident they will definitely respond.  

• Day-to-Day Conversation:

  So far, what have been the high-point and low-point of your day? It’s great if you have a talker. If you are speaking to an extrovert, you should ask them questions they can ruminate on and expand on. These questions are loved by extroverts.

• Having fun?:

  If you are looking for a cold approach opener, look for someone who is alone, but seems like they are having a good time. It’s simple to ask someone at the bar or sit next to them at a table. “Having a good time?” or “Enjoying yourself?”

1. Best movie/book/meal you saw/read/ate recently:

   If you ask someone a specific question about something they will remember with fondness, it is far more interesting to answer than, “How is your week?” Also, you may have loved the same book/movie/food item, and now you will watch Foreign Thrillers with Strong Female Leads together forever!

• Try a little role-playing:

  90% of people who use online dating apps are bored out of their minds. Make things interesting with a role-play scenario. It’s a bit unorthodox, but anything’s better than “Sup?” You’re the princess, he’s the prince. You call out to him: “Oh, won’t some hero come to rescue me from this horrible castle keep!”

Even if you feel a little awkward asking personal questions right off the bat, use your environment and surroundings to start a conversation. Discuss what you’re eating and drinking. Discuss the venue or location. You can also ask general interest questions, such as about their favourite sports team or YouTube video.

If you are not real, the majority of conversations can hover around surface-level topics. It is refreshing to talk about deeper topics. Some of those conversation starters may seem forward, but if the discussion is going well, I encourage you to try them. You never know what you will get to know.

If you are bold enough to drop the boring ones and get to the good ones, any of these conversation starters will work for you. Most people are so relieved to have you start and continue a conversation with them. You should also have your own answers to these questions ready to go so that you can jump in if someone doesn’t know theirs and help them feel comfortable.