How to Start a Text Conversation: Tips, Examples, and Strategies

Introduction

Text conversations are one of the most popular forms of communication today. Whether you’re texting a friend, family member, or potential romantic partner, it can be difficult to know how to start a conversation. What do you say? How do you keep the conversation going? This article will provide helpful tips, examples, and strategies to make starting a text conversation easier.

Ask an Open-Ended Question

One of the best ways to start a text conversation is by asking an open-ended question. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”. They encourage the other person to respond in more detail, which can lead to a more meaningful conversation. According to research from the University of California, Davis, open-ended questions can help build stronger relationships and create feelings of connection between people.

Here are some examples of open-ended questions you can use to start a text conversation:

• What did you do this weekend?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• What book are you currently reading?
• If you could learn any skill, what would it be?
• What’s your favorite thing about summer?

Find Common Ground

Finding common ground can be a great way to start a text conversation. People naturally feel closer to those they have something in common with, so finding a shared interest or experience can be a great way to break the ice. Look for topics you both have experience with or things you both enjoy doing. You can also ask about their hobbies or interests.

Here are some examples of topics you can explore for common ground:

• Favorite movies or TV shows
• Travel experiences
• Sports teams or players
• Books or articles
• Music or bands

Use Emojis and GIFs

Emojis and GIFs can be a fun way to add personality to your text conversations. They can help convey emotion in a way words can’t and can be used to lighten the mood. According to a study by the University of Missouri-St. Louis, using emojis and GIFs can make conversations more enjoyable and create a sense of connection between people.

Here are some examples of emojis and GIFs you can use in text conversations:

• 🙂
• :laughing:
• :heart:
• :sunglasses:
• :thumbsup:

Compliment the Person

Giving compliments is another great way to start a text conversation. Compliments can make people feel good and show them that you appreciate them. Research from the University of Kansas found that giving compliments can increase feelings of self-worth and foster positive relationships.

Here are some examples of compliments you can give in a text conversation:

• I love your sense of humor.
• You are so kind and thoughtful.
• I admire your determination and hard work.
• You always know how to make me laugh.
• Your perspective is really unique.

Reference a Shared Memory

Referencing a shared memory can also be a great way to start a text conversation. Reminiscing about a past experience or inside joke can help bring back fond memories and create a sense of closeness between you and the other person. Studies from the University of Southampton have shown that sharing memories can help strengthen existing relationships.

Here are some examples of memories you can reference in a text conversation:

• A funny story from when you were in school together
• A trip you took together
• An inside joke the two of you share
• A special moment you shared
• A silly game you used to play together

Share an Interesting Fact

Sharing an interesting fact can also be a great way to start a text conversation. It gives the other person something to think about and can spark an interesting discussion. Research from the University of Michigan found that sharing interesting facts can help deepen conversations and create feelings of connection between people.

Here are some examples of interesting facts you can share in a text conversation:

• The average human body contains enough carbon to make 900 pencils.
• The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds.
• A sneeze travels out of your mouth at over 100 miles per hour.
• The oldest living tree is over 5,000 years old.
• The sun is 330,330 times larger than Earth.

Ask for Advice

Asking for advice can be a great way to start a text conversation. It shows that you respect the other person’s opinion and allows them to feel useful and valued. According to research from the University of Toronto, asking for advice can help build relationships and create feelings of trust between people.

Here are some examples of advice you can ask for in a text conversation:

• What do you think I should do about [situation]?
• How would you handle [problem]?
• Do you have any advice for [topic]?
• What tips do you have for [activity]?
• What do you think is the best way to [goal]?

Conclusion

Starting a text conversation doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these tips, examples, and strategies to get the conversation going. Ask open-ended questions, find common ground, use emojis and GIFs, give compliments, reference shared memories, share interesting facts, and ask for advice.