PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Wondering how to impress your crush over text without sounding awkward? You’ve come to the right place! It can be nerve-wracking to talk to a crush, but when you text, you can take the time to craft a perfect message before you hit “send.” Read on for a comprehensive guide to texting someone you like, from sending that first text to sealing the deal with a date!

1

Reach out and text first.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rather than waiting a few days to send the first text, why not send it the day you get your crush’s number? There’s nothing wrong with seeming eager—it shows your crush that you really do like them. If you wait, they might think you’re not that interested.
    • Even if you don’t have time to text the same day, be sure you text them within the first 2 or 3 days. Show your crush that they’re a priority for you.
    • If you already have your crush’s number, start initiating more conversations. Check in daily to show them how much you care. Once they pick up on the pattern, they’ll also start more exchanges with you!
  2. Advertisement
2

Open the conversation with a personal touch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Generic first texts aren’t as engaging as creative messages that remind your crush of an old conversation or something familiar. Try referencing the day you met or something you talked about the last time you saw them! Alternatively, you could send them a text when something reminds you of them. [1]
    • For instance, you could say, "Hey Jesse! I saw a shirt that would be perfect for your cowboy Halloween costume. Want to see a picture?"
    • Let them know who you are in the first text. “Hey! This is Chris, the guy from the coffee shop earlier. It was great to meet you!"
    • Avoid short and vague texts like “Hi!” or “What’s up?” Those could be meant for anyone! You want to show this person that you put thought into your first text.
5

Get flirty with your crush.

PDF download Download Article
6

Ask open-ended questions.

PDF download Download Article
7

Chat about your mutual interests.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check out your crush’s social media or dating app profile to see what you have in common. Then, text them and casually bring up one of your mutual interests or experiences so you can start a conversation about it. Remember to show genuine interest in their responses! [4]
    • For example, if you see a post about a band you both like, you could say, “I just listened to the new Bastille song and loved it. Have you heard it yet?”
    • “I’m dying to find an awesome new Sci-Fi book to read. You like that genre, right? Any recommendations?”
    • Be sure to appreciate your crush’s interests that you might not share, too. Ask them lots of questions, so they know you’re listening.
  2. Advertisement
8

Text them photos of your day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You don’t have to send a picture of you posing suggestively to be flirtatious. Instead, try sending pictures of yourself going about your day or the cool places and things you see. That’ll show your crush that you’re well-rounded and happy, making you seem more attractive. [5]
    • For example, you could send a picture of yourself hanging out with friends and write, “It’s arcade day! 😆🎮 What are you up to?”
    • Not every picture has to be a selfie. You could send a photo of your dog and write, “Milo says hi! He’d love to meet you sometime! 😉”
9

Include emojis in your texts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want your crush to know you’re into them, try sending flirtatious emojis, like a wink (😉) or heart (❤️). Other cute emojis include a heart-eyes (😍), fire (🔥) to tell your crush that they’re hot, and the cry-laughing emoji (😂) if your crush says something funny. Try not to overdo it; 1 or 2 emojis per message is plenty. [6]
    • “Hey you! Just wanted to check in and see how your day is going. 😍 Doing anything fun?”
    • “Did you get a haircut? You look AMAZING today! ❤️🔥”
    • Some emojis can come across as suggestive, like a smiley with its tongue sticking out (😛). Stick to innocent emojis until you know your crush is into you.
  2. Advertisement
10

Make specific plans to hang out.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Flirting through text is fun, but if you like this person, try working up to an in-person meeting. Come up with a specific outing, an event you can meet at, or an activity you can do together. Then, ask your crush out ! See if they’re interested in spending time with you face-to-face. [7]
    • "I'm going to see a baseball game this Friday! Wanna go with me?"
    • “I remember you saying you like bowling. Want to hit up the bowling alley with me tomorrow night?”
    • Keep it casual for now—you don’t even have to use the word “date.” Ask them to hang out and make it clear that it’ll be just you there, so they know it’s romantic.
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Social media can be fun, but it often creates a limited view of someone. Instead of just liking someone's posts, try messaging them an engaging question or story to find common interests. Then, suggest grabbing coffee or doing an activity you both enjoy IRL.

12

Keep your texts lighthearted.

PDF download Download Article
13

Leave a little time between replies.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It shows them that you have other things going on in your life, which will make them curious to know more about you. After your crush texts you, wait at least 15 minutes before replying, or at most an hour or 2. Responding to texts right away every time can come off as desperate. [9]
    • However, don’t wait more than a couple of hours to respond unless you’re genuinely busy. Taking too long might make your crush think you’re not interested.
    • As you plan out your timing, remember not to text your crush too late at night or too early. You might end up disturbing them, and it’s important to be respectful of their time!
  2. Advertisement
14

Match your crush’s texting style.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Try not to text your crush way more or less than they text you or send texts that are significantly longer or shorter than theirs. Instead, pay attention to the length and frequency of their texts and do your best to match them. Match other elements, too—like the number of emojis and text abbreviations they use. [10]
    • For example, if your crush is sending you short 1 or 2-sentence texts, sending several giant blocks of text might frustrate them a little. Reply with texts that are roughly the same length instead.
    • Use proper grammar until you better understand your crush’s style and text lingo. A few abbreviations like “OMG” are fine, but proper grammar and spelling make you seem more thoughtful and clever.
15

End the conversation first.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your crush always has to say goodbye first, they might think you like them more than they like you. Instead, be the one to sign off and end the conversation earlier than your crush expects, so you have a conversation to continue later! [11]
    • “I’ve actually gotta run! But I can’t wait to hear more about your project later. 😊 Talk tomorrow morning?”
    • Leave your crush hanging by saying, "Oh, remind me tomorrow to tell you about my job interview!"
    • If you’re ending the conversation because you have somewhere to go, make sure to mention that so they know you have a busy, well-rounded life.
  2. Advertisement

Example Messages to Text Someone You Like

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I text my crush without being awkward?
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    Avoid starting a text with the full force of your feelings. Don't say things like, "We haven't talked in months, and I really miss you." Instead, keep your opening light and soft by starting with something that reminded you of them, or a conversation you had a while ago. Going too strong with your emotions can be too much for some people.
  • Question
    What’s something I could text a guy I like to make him smile?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Think about his personality and his sense of humor. You could try sending him a compliment (like “I thought you killed it with that presentation yesterday!”) or something funny, like a silly meme or video. You could even send it with a note saying something like, “Hey, I saw this and thought of you!”
  • Question
    What are some good excuses for texting someone?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If you’re looking for an excuse beyond just checking in to see how they’re doing, you could try asking a question. For example, if you’re in a class together, you could say, “Have you heard when we might be getting those quizzes back from last week?” You could also text them about a topic you know they’re interested in. For example, “Hey, check it out, the new Star Wars trailer just dropped! :)”
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to text someone you like, try to think of a unique way to start a conversation. Ask the person about their day or the things they like, but try to avoid questions that have a simple yes or no answer. Instead, try something like, “Do you have any recommendations for places I could go eat this weekend?” If the person only answers you in one-word texts or they seem annoyed, give them some space and wait a few days to see if they text you first. For tips on avoiding too much slang in your texts, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,785,985 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Hailey Scott

        Mar 3, 2017

        "The guy who I liked had liked me back, too. Since we're in high school now, he asked me out on my birthday, so ..." more
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement