How *you* doin’?” may have worked like a charm for Joey Tribiani, but opening lines today, especially on a dating app, require a little more thought and originality to get you noticed. In the fast-paced world of online dating, your first message can make or break your chances of sparking a meaningful connection. So, how do you craft an opening line that stands out? Keep reading to discover five actionable tips that will help you create captivating first messages and increase your chances of getting a response.
1. Give a Little
You’d be surprised how many people don’t give genuine compliments because they’re afraid of rejection. Go for something specific and genuine that shows you’ve really read their profile or noticed something about them that wouldn’t be obvious to everyone. Personalize the compliment as much as possible, and if you’re going to reference a celebrity or something from pop culture, be vague. It’ll force the person to Google the reference and then you’ll be on their mind. Suggested lines: ‘You look like someone I could take home to my mom *and* whisk away for a romantic weekend’; ‘My friends would be jealous if you went out with me’; ‘Has anyone ever told you that you look like [fill in name of obscure actor/actress]?’
2. Be Funny
Admittedly, this isn’t the right approach for everyone, but if you can strike the right chord, humor is almost always a winning trait. Aim for charm and chuckle, not dark or ‘slip on a banana peel’ humor. If the person you’re messaging has written a funny profile, try to mimic that style of humor in your line. Suggested lines: ‘What’s a smart, attractive man/woman like myself doing without your number?’; ‘I can feel you staring at my profile from here’; ‘I totally hear you that grammar matters; it’s sad how few people use semicolons in their Tinder messages.’
3. Show Some Confidence
Confidence is a very attractive trait and could be the key to success when it comes to communicating through online dating apps. A bold opening line doesn’t just convey confidence, it also shows that you’re out there to have fun, regardless of the outcome. Now is not the time to play coy. Even if you play it over-confident, most people will understand that you’re trying to stand out rather than being vain. Suggested lines: ‘This app says we’re 93 per cent compatible. I’d like to test that out in real life’; ‘I love that picture of you on the beach; I wish I were there’; ‘I woke up thinking today was just another boring Monday, and then I saw your photo on my app.’
4. Invite Engagement
Your ultimate goal here is to inspire a back-and-forth conversation that will lead to a face-to-face encounter, so invite engagement by posing questions. Make a reference to something specific. Maybe they mentioned a particular type of food they like in their profile or they’ve posted a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. Ask them a question that’s specific to that. By offering this type of engagement, not only have you demonstrated that you’ve really read their profile, but you’re also more likely to get a response and spark a conversation. Suggested lines: ‘I love Paris. Did you go to the top of the Eiffel Tower?’; ‘You’re a real foodie. If we were to go out for dinner, where would we go?’; ‘What’s your favorite pizza topping?’
5. Be Authentic
Authenticity can seem like a pipe dream when you’re meeting people through a digital app, but being genuine and even showing a little vulnerability can be very charming. People appreciate authenticity in a first message. By revealing something you might not normally be forthcoming with, it shows that you want to build trust. This isn’t the time to unload your deepest secrets or childhood traumas, but it’s okay to share your trepidation of using a dating app or that you normally wouldn’t have the courage to approach this person in real life. Honesty is an attractive trait. Suggested lines: ‘I’m new to this dating scene and to be honest, it kind of scares me’; ‘I don’t normally contact people on this, but I find you very intriguing’; ‘How does a person like me get a date with someone like you?’
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect opening line on a dating app might seem daunting, but with a little creativity and genuine interest, you can make a memorable first impression. Remember, the goal is to stand out and spark a meaningful conversation that could lead to a real-life connection. If you’re ready to take your online dating game to the next level, schedule a free consultation with one of our expert online dating coaches today. They’ll provide personalized advice and strategies to help you succeed in the digital dating world.
Key Takeaways
1. Give specific and genuine compliments that show you’ve read their profile.
2. Use humor that aims for charm and chuckle, not dark or slapstick humor.
3. Show confidence with bold opening lines that stand out.
4. Invite engagement by asking questions related to their profile.
5. Be authentic and share a little vulnerability to build trust.
