Keep it light
"Random question: tea or coffee person?" is low-stakes and easy to answer.
Conversation starters you can copy, for when your mind goes blank.
Being told to "just be yourself" doesn't help when you're staring at an empty message box. Here are specific lines to open with, organized by the kind of conversation you want.
Start chattingOpeners by situation
Invite a story
"What's the most interesting thing that happened to you this week?" gives them room to share something specific.
Shared moment
"Hey, what's the weather like where you are right now?" works as a simple, honest icebreaker.
Direct and simple
"Hi, how's your day going so far?" is plain, but it works because it's easy to answer without thinking.
If the first line doesn't land
Some matches won't respond, or will reply with one word and nothing more. That isn't a verdict on you, it's just how random matching works. A short pause, then moving to a new match, is a completely normal pattern. You're not obligated to keep trying with someone who isn't engaging.
Keep going from there
Once a conversation starts, the pressure usually drops, since you're reacting to what they said rather than generating something from nothing. For the next step, see the full conversation tips guide, or if the live, real-time pace of chat is the hard part, read why text chat can feel easier for introverts.
Questions
What if my opening message gets no response?
Not every match replies right away, and some will not reply at all. That's normal; it's fine to wait briefly and then start a new match rather than sending multiple follow-up messages.
Should I apologize for being shy or awkward?
You don't need to. Most people won't notice a short pause before replying, and there's no need to narrate your own nervousness.
Is it okay to use a prepared opening line?
Yes. A prepared line removes the pressure of coming up with something on the spot, and most conversations move past the opener within a few messages anyway.