So you've created a dating profile and found a few people with potential. Great! But now what? It's time to let your personality shine through with a winning first message. If you're not sure how to introduce yourself on a dating site or app, try out these fun options.
Basic First Message Examples
Just as you would introduce yourself to someone in real life, start with a form of "hello" and the short version of why you're reaching out.
- Hey there, stranger, wanna become acquaintances?
- Bonjour/Ciao/Hola, I see you're free to travel the world, but are you free to chat?
- Hello, it's nice to virtually meet you! (Insert handshake or high-five emoji.)
- Hi, are you up for the challenge of communicating awkwardly through text?
- What's up? If you're interested in chatting, message back with the answer to this question. (Include a simple question that requires them to read your profile such as "What's my favorite color?")
Messages That Emphasize Similarities
Your similarities are the things you can bond over from the start of any type of relationship. Find a creative way to incorporate something you both like into your first message to show you've paid attention to who they are.
- Looks like we're the only two people in the world with a passion for narwhal conservation, maybe we should team up and talk strategy?
- Hello, fellow Dodgers fan. Did you catch that play last night?
- I just finished reading The President Is Missing too! Did you see that ending coming?
- I can't believe I found another person who's been to Chincoteague Island! What was your favorite place to explore?
- Is it creepy or cool that we're wearing the same T-shirt in our profile pictures?
- I see we're both dog lovers! Tell me about that cutie in your profile picture. First your dog, then you. (Insert winky face emoji.)
- I've always wanted to get into (insert hobby they enjoy here). Do you have any tips or advice for beginners like me?
Lead With a Question to Get Their Interest
Start the conversation off with an active request that includes a general interest question. Look for topics the other person is interested in on their profile, then come up with a fun question to break the ice.
- After reading your profile, I'm dying to know — who is your favorite Spiderman? Tobey, Tom, or Andrew?
- I'm new to online dating, any tips on how to start up a conversation?
- Sending this message is the most spontaneous thing I've ever done. What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?
- They say a picture's worth a thousand words. What would your profile picture say if it could talk?
- Laughter is supposed to be the best medicine. What's the funniest thing that's happened to you recently?
- I noticed you're a book lover. What was your last five-star read?
Try a Flirty Message to Introduce Yourself
It's okay to lead with a little flirtation, just be careful not to come on too strong or sound like all you're after is a physical relationship.
- Can I call you Q.T., or do you prefer Jeff?
- Whoever makes the first move wins this round. That's one point for me.
- I'm interested, what are you gonna do about it?
- There's only one way my day could get better — a message from you.
- I need to update my profile, I forgot to add one of my likes — you.
- Do you believe in love at first swipe, or should we unmatch and swipe again?
- This might be too cheesy but you look really gouda in your profile picture.
Related: How to Reply to Online Dating Messages the Right Way
Introduce Yourself With an Intro Inspired by Pop Culture
Use your favorite movies, television shows, songs, and other pop culture references for a casual intro that speaks to your interests and personality.
- Joey's classic pickup line from Friends: "How you doin'?"
- Fonzie's catchphrase from Happy Days: "Aaay!"
- Use the Breaking Bad line: "I am the one who knocks." Follow this with:"Are you the one who answers?"
- Ask: "Do you want to get to know each other better?" followed by the line from How I Met Your Mother: "It's gonna be legen - wait for it - dary."
- From Friday Night Lights: "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."
- The classic alien line from sci-fi movies: "I come in peace."
- Use a play on the iconic Stranger Things character: "On a scale from 1 to 10 you're definitely Eleven."
- From the Barbie movie: "Hi Barbie!"
Put Your Best Message Forward
Getting started in online dating is all about taking the leap to send that first message, and these introduction lines for dating sites will help you open a conversation. Keep the message short and to the point, but include some of your own personality or interests to give it a personalized feel. You can never go wrong by being yourself!
