DATING TIPS
Talk to Me Nice: How to Keep a Conversation Going
Whether someone slid into your DMs or said “hi” to you on a meet-cute, only a few things can compare to the first interaction with a romantic interest.
But here’s the thing — what do you do next? You can’t just leave them hanging, yes?
Talking to a match feels like a table tennis game, whether online or offline. If one person doesn’t hit back, the ball will drop.
So, how should you keep things moving?
Knowing how to keep a conversation going is an essential skill that daters should master. While not everyone is a smooth talker (which isn’t an issue), learning to hold back-and-forths is the bare minimum.
Keep the dead air out and let good exchanges in through these timeless tips.
#1: Show genuine curiosity.
Many people like talking about themselves, and that’s not an ego thing. We like genuinely sharing things about ourselves, especially when asked.
Let your match know you’re clearly interested by giving them the floor. Display genuine curiosity; ask them open-ended questions.
#2: Fish for mutual interests.
To know how to keep a conversation going with a man or woman, look for common interests. There’s nothing like shared passion to keep people talking.
But as thought-provoking as they are, you may want to avoid subjects like politics and religion. You don’t want to cause friction, especially if you don’t know where the other party stands.
#3: Get your timing right.
Let’s say your match isn’t currently the most enthusiastic talker. Before you take that personally, here’s a precaution: it may not be a “you” problem.
Sometimes, people aren’t in the mood to talk because of timing. You can avoid getting on their bad side by asking them when the right time is. Let them know you want to talk, but clarify that you don’t want to force the issue.
#4: Don’t treat it like an interview.
Conversations aren’t interrogations. Your match isn’t a suspect, and there’s no crime up for investigation. Open-ended questions are great, but too many can be potential red flags.
Keep the questions fun by sticking to Wh- ones. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by their answers.
#5: Play a game.
No, I’m not talking about playing with their hearts. In this case, a game is a routine that naturally motivates you to communicate daily.
How, you ask? Start by sharing a random thought you had during the day. If that’s too much pressure, go for a meme or pun. Not only does this keep lines open, but it also allows them a glimpse of the real you.
#6: Be a little flirty.
Don’t be afraid to add some spice. Do you fear coming off too strong? Start by slightly poking fun at their answers. For example, you can say, “I see you’re a Marvel fan. I bet you’ve got Iron Man plushies.”
#7: Leave the innuendos out.
Keep things PG and leave the dirty jokes out, especially if this is your first conversation. There’s no need to get frisky early on.
Now that you know how to keep a conversation going, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Mastering this will take time and practice, so learn as you go along. Good luck!
