Starting a conversation isn’t easy, and with this prompt, you’re meeting them halfway. It creates less of a barrier to entry for the person doing the messaging. Pick a topic you’re interested in or care about, and “be as specific as possible,” Engle says.
What you can say:
- The best bands to come out of the 90’s.
- The worst holiday traditions.
- The best and worst concerts you’ve seen.
The last time I cried happy tears was…
“Consider the things that really make you YOU,” Engle says. Mentioning things you care about “will allow you to engage with like-minded people who share similar likes and interests.”
What you can say:
- When they showed Jason Kelce ripping his shirt off at Travis’s touchdown against the Bills.
- At the closing scene of All of Us Strangers.
- When I PR’ed my back squat (the boys didn’t see).
The one thing I’d love to know about you is…
It’s always nice to see someone on a dating app be interested in you, even if they haven’t seen you yet. Put that energy out there with this prompt. People might feel more comfortable responding when it’s something about them, since they know themselves the best. Find a topic that’s important to you, and let your potential match take it from there.
What you can say:
- What would you do for a living if money weren’t a factor?
- What’s your go-to coffee shop order?
- Were you a Nickelodeon or Disney kid?
Let’s make sure we’re on the same page about…
The great thing about this prompt is you can make your answer as lighthearted or as serious as you want. If you have something that’s a deal-breaker for you (like wanting an open relationship), you can insert that here. It also works if you have something a little less serious that still plays a role in your life (like putting pineapple on pizza) and you want to get that out there.
What you can say:
- Not wanting kids.
- The ending of Game of Thrones.
- The shape of Earth.
This year, I really want to…
This prompt is an excellent way to open up potential first date options, or show how you want to work on yourself in this upcoming year. Want to get more creative, more fit, or try something new? Maybe someone out there wants to do the same—and wants a partner to do it with.
What you can say:
- Try a ceramics class.
- Drink less.
- Find the best burger in town.
I’m looking for…
If you already know what you’re looking for, you may as well lay it all out there. That being said, don’t nit-pick or be judgmental in your answer. Don’t be too vague either, or you won’t narrow down your options for people best suited to you.
What you can say:
- Someone who will get along with my family.
- Someone comfortable with being in an open relationship.
- A good time, not a long time.
My simple pleasures…
You’re probably looking for someone with similar interests as you (at least, we hope you are). “Prompts serve as conversation starters, so consider your interests, hobbies, and skills and lead with those,” Engle says. Odds are someone shares them with you.
What you can say:
- The smell of fresh cut grass.
- When Debbie from marketing brings in banana bread.
- Open sunroofs.
I go crazy for…
Another easy way into talking about the things you like—but make sure it’s something you can carry conversation on. “Focus on answers that you can go into detail on,” Engle says. “Talk about interests, hobbies, and goals outside of romantic relationships to give potential partners a full picture of the person you are.”
What you can say:
- Planning my next trip before the one I’m on has even ended.
- Barry Keoghan. Obviously.
- Reruns of Pimp My Ride.
You should leave a comment if…
This is another way to discuss what’s important to you, with a call to action for the other person. You can pull in your hobbies, hopes for the future, or interests—the world is your oyster here. But remember: specifics, specifics, specifics (don’t just put down “you like sports”).
What you can say:
- You were hoping for a Ravens versus Bills Super Bowl.
- Your Spotify daylist often includes the term “mallgoth.”
- You’re on the dance floor all night at the club.
A shower thought I recently had…
Balance your prompts by throwing in a lighter option here and there. A shower thought is a great way to show off your humor and how your mind works. Get creative.
What you can say:
- Could really use a beer in here.
- Whose Line Is It Anyway needs a reboot.
- Is Punxsutawney Phil doing okay mentally?
Green flags I look for…
Get a little deeper into what you’re looking for in your person by hinting at characteristics you want to see in someone. It’s better to be open and honest about what you’re looking for in a potential partner then have to do the dirty work of talking to a bunch of people only to find out you don’t actually see a future with them.
What you can say:
- Funny conversation, but can get deep, too.
- Tipping 20 percent, always.
- Emotional support water bottles. Here for the hydration.
We’re the same type of weird if…
Have some nuance interests that you want to get out there? Here’s your chance.
What you can say:
- You’re hitting up the Renaissance fair every time it comes to town.
- You’re the person everyone wants on their trivia team.
- You enjoy 5Ks on Thanksgiving, too.
I hype myself up by…
Everyone gets nervous when it comes to online dating. Confidence is hot, but most of us aren’t 100-percent confident all of the time, and that’s okay. This shows you’re nervous, too, but can hype yourself up when need be.
What you can say:
- Blaring some hard rap.
- Power posing.
- Hitting the gym.
I feel most supported when…
Dating app prompts aren’t all about making the right joke or being overly funny. You’ll want to layer in some real prompts, too, to show potential partners you can get deep. This prompt is a great way to do that without getting too vulnerable before you’re ready. Plus, it reveals a little bit about what you want out of a relationship.
What you can say:
- My partner help around the house.
- There’s healthy communication.
- My family and friends support my work.
A fun fact about me is…
An oldie but a goodie. To mix in a lighthearted prompt with some deeper ones, stick with what you know and toss in your go-to fun fact from freshman seminar in college. Don’t over think the “fun” part—just pick something you think is unique about yourself!
What you can say:
- I’ve been cage diving with sharks.
- I speak four languages.
- I never lose in Mario Kart. Ever.
Teach me something about…
Want to learn something new and find a partner at the same time? This is also a great way to show an interest in potential partners by making your answer something related to them. Like we said, people are always more comfortable talking about themselves because it’s the one thing they know everything about. People love talking about their passions… maybe someone out there has the same one as you. This is a great way to find out.
What you can say:
- The Roman Empire
- Your ick list
- What you want to see in a partner
I know the best spot in town for…
Hate the phase of online dating where you message back and forth forever and never actually get to a first date? Us, too. This prompt can help speed up that process by getting you out of the app, and meeting in person. Suggest something you’d want to do for a first date.
What you can say:
- $5 happy hour Miller Lites.
- VPR watch parties.
- Live music.
First round is on me if…
Another prompt that gets you out of the app and right into the first date. Plus, you can pose a characteristic you really want to see in a partner: a win-win. PSA though: If it translates, you do actually have to pay for the first round.
What you can say:
- You love a Dadbod.
- You also cried when My Chemical Romance broke up.
- You’re okay with my dog joining us.
My typical Sunday…
This gives a little snippet into your every day life. You’re probably looking for someone who lives a similar lifestyle to you (if you’re a “sleep until the afternoon every weekend” kind of guy, you’re probably not looking for a “6 a.m. half marathon on a Saturday” kind of girl), and this is a great way to give them that insight.
What you can say:
- Rearranging all my furniture…again.
- Hitting the snooze button relentlessly.
- A walk with the dogs, football with the guys, and meal prep.
Give me travel tips for…
Have a trip coming up? Hit two birds with one stone: get some travel recommendations and start up a conversation with a potential special someone. It’s an easy entry to talking, and you can quickly branch to “well, where else have you traveled to recently?” Even if you just put down your neighbourhood—there’s nothing like a little stay-cation.
This story originally appeared on Men’s Health U.S
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