“What’s your favorite place to visit in town?” “What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?” Always try to keep your questions open-ended; in other words, ask questions that the other person can’t answer in a single word. [3] X Research source

For instance, you wouldn’t want to randomly talk about your favorite video game immediately after chatting about your plans for the weekend. You could, however, segue into a discussion about your favorite video game if you plan on playing games over the weekend. This applies to texting, too! Staying on topic is important for all conversations–even digital ones.

Try to avoid fidgeting and make eye contact when you’re chatting with them. Averting your eyes can come off as a bit shifty and weird. [6] X Research source Take a moment to slowly breathe in and out if you’re feeling a little on edge. [7] X Research source

At a bar/restaurant: “I love martinis, mac ‘n cheese, and meeting beautiful women. ” At a club/dance:“I’d show you some of my dance moves, but I don’t think you’d be able to handle it. ” Keeping things light helps make the conversation more fun, relaxed, and easier to navigate. The other person probably won’t stick around if you’re acting super serious and stoic.

If you’d really like to give physical flirting a try, take baby steps first. For example, if you were at a restaurant, you might scooch closer to the other person to let someone pass through behind you. If the other party likes the close contact, they might move a little closer after you’ve stepped back to your original position.

“I had a great time chatting with you tonight! Here’s my number if you want to meet up later. ” If the other person shoots you a text, you can confidently know that they’re interested in chatting with you and that you aren’t annoying them. After all, they started the conversation!

Sometimes, people’s reactions and responses aren’t always cut-and-dry. If you aren’t totally sure what vibes the other person is giving off, play it safe and back away.

Instead of saying, “You up,” say something like, “Friendly advice: don’t drink coffee at 10 PM. I’m not gonna get any sleep. Anyway, how are you doing tonight?” Instead of saying “hey,” say something like “Hey Kayla! Sorry you aren’t feeling well. 😔 Wanna play a round of online mini golf tonight?” Don’t send out super long texts to your crush, either! No one wants to scroll through a novel’s worth of text.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that 😔” “You’re looking 🔥” “That looks delicious 😍”

It’s not the end of the world if you send a double text, but it definitely shouldn’t be the gold standard for your conversations. [16] X Research source

If you’re really feeling anxious, try repeating some mental affirmations to yourself, like “I am fun to talk to and my time is just as valuable as the other person’s. ”