A real opening line
"Hey" alone is fine, but a specific question tends to get a better response.
Nobody hands you a rulebook for stranger chat. Here it is anyway.
Anonymous chat has its own quiet etiquette that nobody states outright. Knowing it upfront makes the first few conversations less awkward.
Start chattingGenerally considered polite
Matching their effort
If they write a few sentences, a one-word reply can feel dismissive.
A clean exit
A quick "heading out, take care" is appreciated, though not required.
Generally considered rude
Demanding personal details early, pushing past a clear "no" or "I'd rather not", and disappearing mid-sentence without any signal all tend to leave a bad impression, even in a conversation that's otherwise anonymous and low-stakes.
If it goes wrong anyway
You're never obligated to continue a conversation that feels off. Leave immediately, and see the full safety guide for how reporting works, or conversation tips for getting a new match started well.
Questions
Is it rude to leave without saying goodbye?
A short goodbye is a nice touch but isn't required. Leaving a conversation at any point is a normal, accepted part of how anonymous chat works.
Is it okay to ask personal questions early on?
Light, general questions are fine; questions about someone's exact location, workplace, or finances early in a conversation are generally considered intrusive.
What should I do if someone is rude to me?
You can leave the conversation immediately. Logged-in users can also use the Feedback option in the chat menu to report the interaction.