When it comes to online dating, Bumble has a unique twist. Unlike other apps, women are required to start the conversation on Bumble. This can be a bit intimidating, but with the right approach, it can lead to engaging and fun interactions. Whether you’re a seasoned online dater or new to the scene, knowing how to craft a good opener can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some effective tips and strategies to help you confidently start a convo on Bumble.
Why Starting a Convo on Bumble Matters
In Bumble’s women-first dynamic, it’s up to the woman to send the first message within 24 hours of matching. This rule ensures women have more control over the conversation and reduces the chances of receiving unwanted messages. However, this also means that the pressure is on to send a great first message that can spark a connection. A well-thought-out opener can increase the likelihood of keeping the conversation going and getting to know someone better.
How to Create an Engaging Bumble Opener
Personalize Your Message
Instead of saying “Hey” or “What’s up?”, look for something in the person’s profile that you can comment on. Maybe they mention a love for hiking, or their favorite band is listed. Personalized messages show that you’re genuinely interested in them and not just copying and pasting the same message to everyone.
For example:
- “I see you love hiking! What’s the best trail you’ve ever been on?”
- “I noticed you’re into cooking. What’s your favorite dish to make?”
Why it works: Personalizing the message shows effort and thoughtfulness, setting you apart from generic openers.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
When starting a conversation on Bumble, it’s important to avoid dead-end questions. Open-ended questions encourage the other person to share more about themselves, which naturally keeps the conversation going.
Instead of asking:
- “How’s your day?” (which often leads to a one-word reply)
Try something like:
- “What’s something exciting you did today?”
- “If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?”
Why it works: Open-ended questions invite a more detailed response and help reveal more about the person’s interests and personality.
Use Humor to Break the Ice
Everyone loves a good laugh. Humor can be a great way to break the ice and make the conversation light-hearted. However, be mindful not to offend or come off as trying too hard. A clever one-liner or a playful comment can work wonders in creating a fun and relaxed vibe.
For example:
- “Two truths and a lie: I once climbed a mountain, I have a pet lizard, I’ve met a celebrity. Your turn!”
- “Did it hurt when you fell from the vending machine? Because you’re a snack!”
Why it works: Humor can help ease any initial awkwardness and create an instant connection if you both share a similar sense of humor.
Compliment Thoughtfully
Compliments are always appreciated, but on Bumble, avoid superficial compliments that focus on appearance alone. Instead, compliment something unique about their profile, such as their bio, hobbies, or accomplishments. Genuine compliments feel more meaningful and create a positive tone. If you’re curious about the pricing model, you might be wondering why Bumble is so expensive compared to other dating apps.
For example:
- “Your bio made me laugh, you seem like such a fun person!”
- “I love that you volunteer at animal shelters—so inspiring!”
Why it works: Compliments based on personality or achievements feel more sincere and show that you’re paying attention to their profile.
Avoiding Common Mistakes on Bumble
Don’t Start with Generic Openers
Starting with “Hey” or “How are you?” may seem harmless, but these types of openers don’t encourage conversation. They are overused and often lead to dull exchanges.
Instead, try:
- “I see you enjoy hiking. What’s your favorite trail?”
- “I love your travel photos! Which country has been your favorite to visit?”
Why it works: Specific and thoughtful questions are more likely to get a meaningful response than generic greetings.
Don’t Copy and Paste Messages
It might be tempting to use the same message for every match, but people can usually tell when a message is generic. Take a few moments to tailor each opener to the person you’re messaging. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in how they perceive your effort.
Be Patient with Replies
Once you’ve sent your message, give the other person time to respond. Avoid sending follow-up messages too quickly or appearing too eager. Patience is key in online dating, as everyone has different schedules and priorities.
Leveraging Bumble’s Features to Your Advantage
Use Bumble Profile Prompts
One of the best ways to start a conversation on Bumble is to use the profile prompts. Bumble offers various prompts that users can fill in, such as “Two truths and a lie” or “My perfect Sunday.” These prompts are excellent conversation starters because they give you a glimpse into the person’s interests or personality.
For example:
- “I see your ‘perfect Sunday’ involves brunch. What’s your go-to brunch spot?”
- “Your ‘two truths and a lie’ game looks fun! Let me guess… the lie is that you’ve met a celebrity?”
Why it works: Profile prompts provide easy, built-in conversation starters, removing the pressure of thinking of an opener from scratch.
Take Advantage of Bumble’s Time Extension
If the 24-hour window is about to expire and you haven’t received a reply, don’t panic. Bumble allows you to extend the time once per day for a match you’re really interested in. This gives the other person more time to respond and keeps your match alive.
Why it works: Using the time extension shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the conversation.
Keeping the Convo Going
Build on Shared Interests
Once the conversation has started, focus on topics you both enjoy. If they mention their love for dogs or their favorite Netflix series, follow up with related questions to keep the conversation flowing. If you find yourself in the situation where a guy messaged you first on Bumble, it’s important to know how to respond effectively.
For example:
- “I see you’re into hiking too! Any trails you’d recommend?”
- “I also love ‘Stranger Things’! Which season is your favorite?”
Why it works: Building on common interests allows for a deeper connection and keeps the conversation engaging.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable
While it’s important to keep things light initially, don’t shy away from deeper conversations. Sharing something personal or asking thoughtful questions can strengthen the connection.
For example:
- “What’s something you’re passionate about that not many people know?”
- “What’s a goal you’re working toward right now?”
Why it works: Vulnerability can create a sense of trust and make the conversation more meaningful.
Handling Rejection and Ghosting
Dealing with Rejection
Online dating comes with its fair share of rejection, and that’s perfectly normal. If someone doesn’t reply or unmatches you, try not to take it personally. Instead, focus on the positive conversations and connections you’ve made.
Why it works: Maintaining a positive attitude and moving on from rejection helps you stay motivated in your search.
What to Do If You Get Ghosted
If you’ve had a good conversation but suddenly stop receiving replies, it can be frustrating. Ghosting happens, but it’s essential to avoid overthinking. If someone ghosts you, it’s best to move on gracefully. If you’re curious about the current messaging rules, you might be wondering if guys can message first on Bumble in 2024.
Why it works: Accepting ghosting as part of the process and not dwelling on it keeps your confidence high and helps you stay open to new connections.
Final Thoughts
Starting a conversation on Bumble doesn’t have to be intimidating. By personalizing your message, asking thoughtful questions, and using humor or Bumble’s profile prompts, you can increase your chances of sparking a meaningful conversation. Remember to avoid generic openers, be patient, and always focus on creating a genuine connection. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making meaningful connections on Bumble.
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FAQs: How to Start a Conversation on Bumble
How do I start a conversation on Bumble?
To start a conversation on Bumble, personalize your message by commenting on something from the person’s profile. Avoid generic openers like “Hey” and instead ask a thoughtful question or make a playful comment. For example, you can reference their hobbies or interests to show genuine interest.
What should I avoid when sending a first message on Bumble?
Avoid sending generic or one-word messages like “Hi” or “What’s up?”. These often don’t inspire a response. Also, steer clear of compliments focused only on appearance—focus on something unique from their profile instead. Personalizing your message increases your chances of getting a reply.
What are good Bumble conversation starters?
Some good conversation starters include:
- “I see you love traveling! What’s your favorite destination so far?”
- “Your profile made me laugh. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?”
- “I noticed you’re into cooking. Any favorite recipes you’d recommend?”
These openers focus on the other person’s interests, making the conversation more engaging.
How can I keep a conversation going on Bumble?
To keep a conversation going, ask open-ended questions that allow the other person to share more about themselves. Build on shared interests by discussing hobbies or favorite shows, and don’t be afraid to share something personal to deepen the conversation.
What should I do if someone doesn’t respond on Bumble?
If someone doesn’t respond, don’t stress. People may not always be available to reply right away. It’s best to be patient and avoid sending multiple follow-up messages. If you don’t get a response after a while, move on to other matches—rejection is a natural part of online dating.