We all know the online dating scene can be a bit daunting, when it feels like you’re just one of a million faces, but fear not. Crafting a message that stands out is easier than you think. Here are five tips to help you catch their eye and spark that conversation!

1. Personalize Your Greeting Skip the generic “Hey” or “Hi there.” Take a minute to read their profile and start your message with something personal. Did they mention they love hiking? Begin with, “Hi [Name], I see you’re into hiking too. What’s your favorite trail?” Or, consider being mysterious, with a message like “I bet I can guess the most important thing in your hiking pack…”

2. Compliment with Care A thoughtful compliment can go a long way. Instead of focusing solely on looks, try to highlight something unique about them. “You have a great smile” is nice, but “I love your sense of humor in your profile bio” shows you’ve paid attention.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions Encourage them to respond by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. “What’s the most exciting place you’ve traveled to?” or “Can you recommend a good book?” This opens up the conversation and shows genuine interest.

4. Share a Bit About Yourself Balance is key. Share a little snippet about yourself that relates to something in their profile. If they love cooking, you might say, “I see you enjoy cooking. I recently tried making homemade pasta for the first time, and it was a fun disaster!”

5. Keep It Light and Fun Remember, dating is supposed to be enjoyable! Keep your tone light and playful. Avoid heavy topics right off the bat, and for the love of God, don’t just come out with a “let’s f*ck.” It’s a dating site, not a brothel! Remember, a little humor can also break the ice. Maybe throw in a fun, light-hearted joke. If they have a Padres shirt on in their profile, get a little sassy with a “Wanna come watch a Dodgers game and see how the real players do it? :P “

What’s your go-to opening line? Let us know on social media!