Starting a conversation with someone you’re interested in is nerve-racking, to say the least. There’s so much pressure to say the right thing, make a good impression, and get a conversation going — all in that first opening text. It’s why it’s so tempting to simply dive right in with a quick “hey” just to get it over with. According to a dating expert, that’s the last thing you want to do. “HEY is impersonal and shows little interest in the individual. If a match has taken the time to share details about themselves and put it on their profile, simply saying "hey" is an indication that you probably haven't read their profile” — Tennesha Wood. Boring messages — including “how’s it going” or “what’s up” — also make it seem like you’re reaching out to anybody and everybody, even if that isn’t the case. Dating is about making a connection, which is why it’s always better to take the time to send something a little more thoughtful. Whether you ask an open-ended question, strike up a convo about a shared interest (foods, games, hobby, pets) or go big and ask them out for coffee, there are lots of better ways to greet a match in a text message or DM that are so much better than just “hey.” Those things you have in common will be the bridge that ties you together, which in turn will make it easier (and more exciting) for them to write back. It will also make it clear that you took the time to read their dating profile, They’ll feel good knowing you’re interested in who they are as a person. To get a convo rolling, it also helps to ask open-ended questions. That way the other person won’t write back with a “yes,” “no,” or the dreaded, super-boring “cool” — all responses that drive a text exchange straight into the ground. Another perk of the open-ended question? The other person will get to talk about themselves and share their experiences, which is something pretty much everyone loves to do. If you spot an intriguing opinion in their profile, ask for them to elaborate. This will lead to a deeper conversation and help you understand your match’s views and where you are aligned. "MEME". If their profile gives you a good impression of their sense of humor, consider reaching out with a well-selected meme. Say something like, “For whatever reason this meme is hilarious and I think you might appreciate it". A touch of humor goes a long way when it comes to creating a fun conversation. When in doubt, talk about pets! An opening text, like “Your dog is beautiful! What's their name? My dog says hi” will be tough to ignore. It’s also undeniably fun. So many people post their pets. If you're a fellow pet lover, you already have a commonality. If you don't have a pet but you do love animals, you still get that chance too by asking them questions about their pets. Next, to see if you're on the same page, ask what brought them to this particular app and/or what they’re looking for as far as dating goes, whether it’s something serious or just a casual hookup. This info will not only help guide the rest of your conversation in terms of flirting, but it’ll also start things off in an open and honest way. Another cute way to reach out is by saying their first name followed by an exclamation point. Simple as that. People love hearing their names. It makes them feel seen. When you put it in all caps and add an exclamation point, and maybe even an emoji, it makes it fun and quirky. It also helps you avoid saying the wrong thing, which may be the way to go if you’re unsure how they feel and just want to break the ice. In conclusion: In a sea of messages, saying something other than “hey” will really help you stand out. So spice things up with a text that’s a little more fun. Source : This article was originally published on Bustle.