Great Conversation Starters For Online Dating

For some people, the world of online dating can seem like a bewildering mess of chaos — and they wouldn’t be far wrong. So many of the rules of dating that used to apply don’t anymore. That has given rise to a lot of pressure on the conversational flow, so if that stresses you out, read on for some great online dating conversation starters.

  1. Unleash some fun facts. I know that it might sound a little cheesy, but trust me when I say that there’s nothing cuter than a fun fact. Particularly when someone has clearly put the time and effort into something that they’re passionate about and that they want to share with you. It’s really attractive to see what motivates people and getting some rounds of fun facts going really allows you an insight into how the other person’s mind works. It shows how compatible you are too. This is a real time-saver for first dates when you met through online dating apps, and it’s one of the best online dating conversation starters.
  2. Don’t be afraid of some small talk. This isn’t the red-letter stage of a bad date. I know that some people hate small-talk and first dates for precisely that reason, but if you don’t make it awkward, you have nothing to fear. This is an easy way to ease into the conversation and get a sense of the other person without committing too much of yourself. Lots of people reveal their humor in everyday things, and you can learn a lot about a person even when they might not seem to be saying much. Plus, if you find someone interesting even when they’re talking about the weather, you’re onto a good one.
  3. Go over your career ambitions. Okay, so there’s a fine line here between talking about your job and fielding an interview. This shouldn’t be an interrogation, so be mindful of the risk of inundating your crush with too many questions. I know you’re interested in them, but a conversation should be advanced from both sides, not just one. Give them a moment to respond! Talking about career ambitions anchors the conversation and deepens it by talking about your personal lives. Also, it shows that you are both real, complex people, which can sometimes be hard to gauge when you’re online dating and it’s all screens.
  4. Discuss your education history. This might sound a bit boring when it comes to conversation starters to use while online dating, but stick with me. Not only is this a good opportunity to redirect the flow of the conversation and keep tabs on what drives the other person, but it’s a great way of seeing how your upbringings compare. It might be that you’re very similar or have lots of differences, and both have their places in the relationship. It’s a question that inevitably breeds other questions, too – particularly about your childhood. They’re also more intimate questions, so you will be more likable and more attracted to the other person by learning about their past.
  5. Talk about your family. I know everyone’s funniest stories involve their family. It’s because you’re at your goofiest then, and at your most relaxed. If your crush is listening, they will see you open up and share with you their world. Furthermore, they will want to be a part of that life and ask even more questions. The time will fly by when you start talking about family drama too. Everyone has it and it’s eternally fascinating to rant to strangers about! You can tell someone doesn’t like you if they check out during these talks.
  6. Bring up your friends. While meeting the family might seem a distant and scary stage in the relationship, you can talk about your friends as a natural middle ground. Of course, you would talk about your friends anyway because they’re important to you, but as well as that, you will present a very favorable, funny version of yourself through your stories. It shows that you’re likable and well-rounded, and have a good group of people around you. Plus, he can meet your friends and two worlds can meet.
  7. Talk about your favorite moments. When you talk about your favorite holidays, or favorite food and the like, you can simultaneously talk about things that are important to you, as well as encouraging date night ideas. Think about it, you’re making it so easy for your partner in crime to suggest another date because you’re giving him the blueprint! And, you can plan holidays in the future.
  8. Plan! It might not happen immediately, but it’s nice to know where you can control the conversation when you’re dating online. You don’t need to manipulate conversations too much or put that pressure on yourself, but you can have certain set pieces in your arsenal. We all do it, and if it puts you at ease to have a few conversational pieces to hand, by all means, do what makes you comfortable.
Hannah has a Masters degree in Romantic and Victorian literature in Scotland and spends her spare time writing anything from essays to short fiction about the life and times of the frogs in her local pond! She loves musical theatre, football, anything with potatoes, and remains a firm believer that most of the problems in this world can be solved by dancing around the kitchen to ABBA. You can find her on Instagram at @_hannahvic.
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