You’ve done it. You’ve taken that massive leap of faith and you’ve signed up for online dating.
Phew, your palms are sweating, your stomach is churning but hey, you’ve done the hard bit. Now all you have to do is sit back, scroll through a few profiles and wait for the pings to come in.
But what happens when you do get that notification to say someone is into you?
Well, obviously the first thing to do is head over and check them out. Have a good old nosey at their picture and profile and decide if this is someone you want to get to know better.
Yes? Great! Now what?
Well, now you get chatting. Ok, this is probably the hardest part of online dating. The conversation starter. What do you say? How do you set the tone? What do you want to know?
Cue the awkward silences.
In all seriousness, this part of the online dating process is a bit of a challenge. You don’t want to blow it, but you need to start talking otherwise this isn’t going to go very far. Unless they are really hot in which case, who needs conversation anyway? (Jokes. Obvs!)
When it comes to conversation starters when online dating, the key is to keep it light. There’s plenty of opportunity to get to know the deeper side of each other but this is the fun bit so don’t get too serious.
Ask questions. You could even make a game of it.
My top 10 curious conversation starters when online dating
1 – If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a great way to get to know their feeding habits (yes, I did make an animal comparison, this is all about mating!)
2 – If you could do anything illegal without getting caught, what would it be?
A great way to find out how morally in sync you are…or aren’t!!!
3 – What 3 things are on your bucket list?
Take notes for this one. It could be a future experience. If you hate what they say, you’re probably not compatible!
4 – What is your funniest childhood memory?
Want to know more about their past without being obvious? This is a great way to do it.
5 – What are you most passionate about?
A brilliant way to find out if you share similar passions. This is a great conversation starter to give you the opportunity to delve a little deeper.
6 – What is your all-time favourite band?
Music is the food of love. If they name some obscure band or a band you can’t stand, move on. It’s not going to work! (Again, jokes)
7 – Are you a cat person or dog person?
A vital question. Let’s face it, if they get this wrong, they are out the door before they’ve even gotten through it.
8 – What’s the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
An opportunity to find out how materialistic they are. Don’t be too judgemental though, you would totally splurge!!!
9 – If you could travel back in time, what time period would you go to and why?
This one will give you an insight into their interests, dress sense, music taste and moral compass. It should tell you everything you need to know.
10 – How would your friends describe you?
Brace yourself. This is the one question we find very difficult to lie about. We will instantly go a little coy, give it some serious thought and then joke about what our friends would say. It’s probably the most honest answer you’ll get from all of these conversation starters.
Have a little fun with your conversation starters
Obviously, I’m not being that serious here but conversations when online dating aren’t meant to be heavy. They are meant to do what they say on the tin. Invite conversation.
It’s a great way to have a little fun and get to know each other a lot better. But be prepared. If your match is online dating savvy, they will also come to the party armed with a list of conversation starters for you!
Have fun and happy chatting!
