The Story Trade Reply (Bumble)
Online Opener · First messages for Tinder, Hinge and Bumble.
Short version: it was supposed to be a quick walk. Long version: it needs a better setting than a chat box. Your turn, what’s the story behind your favourite photo?
Her message: a question about one of your photos. Replace the short version with a true, one-sentence answer about that photo.
Why it works
Giving the short version satisfies her curiosity while leaving a reason to keep talking. Turning the question back to her makes it a trade rather than an interview.
Follow-up
- Okay, that’s a fair trade. Your turn: what’s the story behind your favourite photo?
- If she asks for the long version: It involves a wrong turn and a very patient stranger. More when we talk properly.
Keep exploring
- The Rate Your Day Reply (Bumble) Going well, a solid 7 out of 10 so far, with a chance of 9 if you tell me the best part of your day. Yours?
- The Geek Out Trade Opener (Hinge) Your 'I geek out on' answer is [topic]. I'll listen to a five-minute pitch if you listen to mine: [your topic].
- The Ask For The Spot Opener (Hinge) You mention [place/restaurant/trail]. I'm going to be nearby soon. What should I order or do there, and what should I skip?
- The Honest Answer Opener (Hinge) Honestly the most relatable thing I've read here today is your answer about [prompt topic]. Now I need to know what happened next.
- The Pet Name Opener (Hinge) Another [dog/cat] person! House rule for this chat: you have to tell me [pet name]'s name and the story behind it.
- Love vs In Love Hey, I need your opinion on something real quick. My best friends girl broke up with him, when he asked for the reason, she told him that…
- Do I look gay? Preferably used with a wing and with a game-show host/party host attitude. "I need your honest opinion on something... do I look gay?"
- Thug Lovin "Hey guys, I'm doing a poll. Which do the ladies prefer… THUG LOVIN'? Or… GANGSTA LOVIN'?"
- Undies In a lingerie store, pick up a pair of boyshorts and a thong, then approach. "Hey, I need a female perspective here.
- Tv Show This opener is outdated, but adaptable to current TV shows. You: Hey guys. (Pause here for a quick sec?
- The Both Answer Reply (Bumble) Beach during the day, mountains at night, and I'll argue with anyone who says you have to choose. What would you pick?
- The Best Meal Reply (Bumble) A very average sandwich that I've decided was exceptional because I was starving. Your answer has to beat that, no pressure.
- The Dream Trip Reply (Bumble) Right now: Lisbon, mostly for the pastries, partly for the trams. Your turn, and give me a reason that isn't 'the pictures look nice'.
- The Fictional Place Reply (Bumble) Rivendell, with the Hogwarts kitchens as a close second. What's your pick, and what's the catch?
- The Karaoke Reply (Bumble) Bohemian Rhapsody, because I like to ruin it for everyone. What's yours, and do you commit to the choreography?
- Name Mnemonics HB: What’s your name? Style: I’m Style. HB: I’m Janet. This is Donna. And that’s Tony. Style: Okay…Janet.Donna.Tony.
- Good-Looking People This Opener works well if you’re not a “conventionally” good looking person and your target is quite good looking.
- Fashion Tip Just go up and tell them how they would look EVEN BETTER to you.
- Embarrassing Dare Hey, y'all are women. You'll probably have some great answers to this question I have.
- Never be a couple “Aww - you are soo cute.. but you make me SO SAD! Girl: WHY? Cos we could NEVER EVER be a couple! Girl: WHY ?? Because we are too similar..
- Karma Hey guys, I need a female opinion. Do you believe in karma? If you don't know, Karma is a belief that whatever you do comes back to you: If…
- The Test Me: Congratulations Her: What, why when? Me: You pass my first test - you look interesting which made me come here and start to talk to…
- Polar Bear Me: “great big polar bear” Her: “What?” Me: “That's a great ice breaker don't you think?”
- Greeting Walking in the store I waited for her to say it…… Her: “Hello” Seraf: Wow…..seriously? That was ALMOST the best greeting I’ve had all day!
- Confident Enough Are you confident enough to accept a sincere compliment? Good, so am I, you go first. Opener by Richard la Ruina