How to Keep the Chat Going After Hello
Starting a chat is easy — just say hello. But the real challenge is figuring out how to keep a chat going after hello without hitting that awkward silence. Whether you’re texting on WhatsApp, sliding into someone’s DMs, or messaging on a dating app, knowing how to keep a conversation going after hello is the difference between a dead chat and a fun connection.
The good news? Keeping the chat alive is a skill anyone can learn. Whether it’s texting on WhatsApp, DMing on Instagram, or chatting on a dating app, you just need a few smart moves to keep things flowing naturally.
Let’s break it down.
The Icebreaker Move: Go Beyond Hello
After the hello, don’t sit back waiting for the other person to lead. You need to drop an icebreaker — that’s a fun or interesting question that gets them talking.
Example:
Instead of saying
- How was your day? (boring, overused)
Try:
- If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?
This instantly creates space for imagination. And even better? You’ll find out a bit more about their personality.
Tip: Notice and Use Their Profile Clues
If you’re texting someone new, their social media or dating profile is a goldmine. Maybe they posted about a recent trip, a pet, or a favorite band. Mention that.
Example:
Hey, saw your photo with the husky — how long have you had him?
Personalized questions make people feel seen. That’s how you stand out from boring small talk.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Let’s define that quickly — open-ended questions are ones that can’t be answered with just yes or no. They need a story or an explanation.
Examples:
- What’s something you’re super passionate about right now?
- What’s your go-to comfort food?
These questions naturally stretch the conversation. And they keep the energy flowing because everyone loves to talk about their passions, their favorite food, or their guilty pleasures.
Match Their Energy
This is underrated. If they’re texting with emojis and playful language, match that vibe. If they’re replying with short, chill responses, don’t bombard them with essays.
Real-life example:
If they send
- Just chilling today haha
You can say
- Same here. What’s your perfect lazy day routine?
This keeps things casual and relatable.
Share Your Stories Too
If you keep asking questions without sharing anything about yourself, it starts to feel like an interview. Share a funny thing that happened to you that day, an embarrassing moment, or a weird food combo you tried.
This makes the chat feel balanced — like a real exchange between two interesting people.
Use High-Engagement Topics
Some topics never fail. These are evergreen conversation starters:
- Travel dreams (Where do you want to visit next?)
- Favorite movies or shows (What’s something you could rewatch anytime?)
- Weird food combos (Have you tried fries with ice cream?)
- Pet peeves (What’s one thing that irrationally annoys you?)
These trigger nostalgia, humor, or passion — emotions that keep people hooked in chats.
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And if you’re texting for dating, these topics also help you spot compatibility early on. It’s like a low-key background check but fun.
When the Chat Starts Dying, Switch It Up
If you feel the energy dipping, introduce a new topic instead of forcing the current one. Or play a quick game like:
- Would You Rather
- 2 Truths and a Lie
- Rapid Fire Questions
This makes the conversation fun and less predictable. Plus, games naturally reveal interesting facts about each other.
Know When to End It (But Leave a Hook)
Ending a conversation is just as important. Don’t drag it till it’s awkward. Instead, exit on a high note.
Example:
This was fun, but I gotta run. Let’s continue this story tomorrow — I still need to hear about your crazy travel experience!
Now you’ve set up the next chat without the awkwardness.
It’s About Connection, Not Perfection
Remember, keeping the chat alive isn’t about being clever all the time. It’s about showing curiosity, matching vibes, and sharing a piece of yourself. The more you practice, the smoother it gets.
So next time you text hello, you’ll know exactly how to keep things rolling.
Now go start that chat.
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