14+ Messages to Subtly Tease a Guy over Text

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When you're into a guy, sometimes you want to flirt without being too obvious. Text teasing is a great way to get him interested, but you can still play it off so you don't have to move faster than you want to. [1] We've rounded up some of our favorite suggestions to give his imagination just the right amount of fuel. He won't be able to stop thinking about you!
This article is based on an interview with our professional dating coach, Collette Gee. Check out the full interview here.

1

Stick to what feels natural.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sure, there's a certain amount of swagger you might put on when you're being flirty, and you might have to push out of your comfort zone just a little. But the most important thing is that you should be comfortable being yourself! If he's worth your time, he'll appreciate you for exactly who you are.
    • If you're a little shy when it comes to flirting, it's totally okay to go slow and stick to a more subtle approach.
    • Similarly, pick up on his vibes to get a feel for what he's into. If he goes quiet after you poke fun at him, he might not be into that, but if he laughs really hard, you can keep teasing him that way.
    2. Advertisement
2

Use punctuation and emojis to hint at your meaning.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since he can't hear your voice or see your face over text, your guy might need a little extra help to catch your flirtatious vibes. Emojis are the perfect way to add a little clarity—if you drop that heart-eye emoji, he's going to know exactly what you mean! And if you add an ellipsis to the end of your text, he's definitely going to be wondering what you didn't say. [2]
    • "Hey... ;)"
    • "I can't wait to see you..."
    • "I keep thinking about you 😉"
    • "You are 🔥🔥😍"
3

Give him a silly nickname and use it when you're texting.

PDF download Download Article
  1. As an added bonus, it will probably make him laugh. It needs to be something that you only use when the two of you are alone, though—otherwise, he might get embarrassed. [3]
    • For instance, you might say, "Hi sexy pants!"
    • Try coming up with a nickname that calls back to an inside joke between the two of you, like "Old lady slayer" if he told you he always gets hit on by cute little old ladies at the grocery store.
    • Or, give him a nickname to tease him about something he did, like calling him "James Bond" because of his skill tracking down your number.
    2. Advertisement
4

Act like you're not that interested in him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A little friendly banter can make him feel like he needs to chase you—as long as you don't go too far. Just pull back a little and pretend you're not quite as into him as you really are. When you mix that into your flirting, you'll drive him crazy wondering how you really feel! Try saying things like: [4]
    • "Who said I want to see you?"
    • "You'll have to work harder than that to get a date from me!"
    • "I mean, I guess I can make a few minutes to talk to you..."
    • "Everybody knows you think I'm cute!"
5

Don't say anything.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let him wonder what you're up to! That doesn't mean you have to play games where you put your phone down and don't answer for exactly 13 minutes. Instead, go find something to do—hang out with your friends, clean up your room, or take a walk. You can even take a picture of yourself to send to him later! [5]
    • A good guy will love knowing you're out there being your best self instead of sitting by the phone waiting for his text—even if he secretly can't wait to hear from you again.
    2. Advertisement
6

Poke fun at some of his habits.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Everybody has a few things that they do over and over, often without realizing it. Teasing him about these things can actually be flattering since it means you're noticing details about him. [6] Just make sure to keep it light-hearted, since you don't want to hurt his feelings. And if he seems offended, give him a compliment to balance it out. For instance, you could say: [7]
    • "Oh come on, you can't pass a mirror without checking yourself out."
    • "I'll see you for dinner. I bet you're planning to wear that purple shirt again—you pick it every time we go downtown!"
    • "Will you and your Dodgers hat be at the party tomorrow?"
7

Echo back whatever he just said.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Obviously this won't work for all messages—if he's talking about something sad or stressful, definitely hold off. However, if he's being cute and flirty, or even if you're just chatting about every-day stuff, this can be a fun way to mix things up. Just add a smile emoji at the end so he knows you're playing around. [8]
    • For instance, if he says, "I can't, I have a game Saturday," you might say, "I have a game Saturday :)"
    • If he says "I like your smile" you could say, "I like YOUR smile!"
    2. Advertisement
8

Give him a compliment that shows you're into him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to up the flirtation factor, go beyond just complimenting his gorgeous eyes or charming smile. [9] Sure, those things are cute, but what makes him really special? You can always play it off later, but if you drop one of these compliments into your text, he's going to know you've been thinking about him. Try something like: [10]
    • "You're the best listener."
    • "I can tell you've been hitting the gym extra hard lately. Your abs look amazing!"
    • "Ugh that shirt looks so good on you!"
    • "I love your arms. You're so strong!"
9

Tell him you wish he was with you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. He'll instantly start thinking of ways he could help. In fact, he might just show up ready to put a smile on your face. Don't be afraid to give him specifics about what you had in mind, like: [11]
    • "I wish you were here to make me feel better."
    • "I had the toughest workout. I wish you could come give me a massage."
    • "Ugh work was so stressful. I really need a hug."
    • "I need some cuddles to get my mind off of things!"
    • "I'm so bored... I bet you could entertain me, though."
    2. Advertisement
10

Ask him what you should wear.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose two outfits that you know make you look great and snap a pic of each. Then, send them to him and ask him which one he likes better. He'll love being asked for his opinion, but even better than that, he'll be picturing just how good those clothes will look on (and maybe off) you. [12]
    • Add a little detail if needed, like "This one with knee-high boots" or "This shirt with an extra button undone."
    • If you're heading to the pool or beach, send him a snap of your bathing suit!
    • Get a little extra daring by including the undies you plan to wear with the outfit. Or, maybe mention that you aren't going to wear any at all!
11

Tell him you have a surprise for him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Of course, you need to have some surprise in mind, but it doesn't have to be anything elaborate. Maybe it's something as sweet as a pack of his favorite cookies—or maybe as spicy as some sexy lingerie. Give him hints if you'd like, but don't give away the whole surprise: [13]
    • If you're bringing him a snack, try teasing something like, "It's something tasty!"
    • If it's something you'll be wearing, you might send him a close-up picture of one lacy detail or a single strap.
    • If your surprise is something you want to do to him, you might simply hint, "🤐😉🔥"
    2. Advertisement
12

Say you can't stop thinking about him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. He might even ask you to elaborate! To keep it super-subtle, say something like, "Just you and me together :)" and change the subject. If you want to get a little naughty, you could say something like: [14]
    • "Wondering what you would do if you were here..."
    • "How great you looked in that shirt last night"
    • "Just remembering that time we were in the hot tub..."
    • "That I'd really like to be kissing you right now"
13

Mention that you just got out of the shower.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You don't have to tell him that you've already changed into your yoga pants and oversized T-shirt. Let him think you're just lounging around undressed while the two of you chat. You might even mention you thought of him in the shower. It's definitely going to catch his interest! [15]
    • Try saying something like, "I just took a shower and now I can't decide what to wear!" Or you could say, "Sorry I didn't answer right away. I was in the shower."
    • To really step up the teasing, send him a picture of yourself wrapped in a towel before you get dressed.
    2. Advertisement
14

Tell him you dreamt about him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The great thing about telling him this is that even if you didn't really dream about him, you can totally make it up as you go along. He'll probably want to know more, so make it as cute, silly, or steamy as you want. But to really get his mind racing, leave the details to his imagination. [16]
    • Try saying, "We were on a beach and there were these people in boat costumes dancing on the sand. You looked super cute in those board shorts though."
    • You could also say, "It was so sweet. We were in this market and you were holding my hand the whole time, then you kissed me."
    • Or you might say, "Well, I'll just say it was really memorable..."
15

Bring up a sexy movie.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go for a classic that he's probably seen before, like Eyes Wide Shut, 9 1/2 Weeks, or Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Chances are, if he's seen it before, he'll start thinking about recreating some of those scenes with you. This can work with TV shows and songs, too.
    • Anything that airs on HBO is probably a pretty good start.
    • Or, quote some sexy song lyrics—then say something like, "I love this song!" [17]
    2. Advertisement

Examples to Tease a Guy

Join the Discussion...

How do you flirt over text? I'm so bad at it
WikiSkyDancer007
35
WikiSkyDancer007
Ugh, I'm getting so flustered with this guy I've been texting lately! It feels like he has all the right things to say and is SO cute about it, a... Read More
4
Cher Gopman
Dating Coach
I think if you are trying to flirt through text messages, it's okay to use emojis here and there. You don't want to overuse them, because that'll... Read More
WikiMongooseChaser121
2
WikiMongooseChaser121
A little bit of joking or teasing can help create a playful mood that's good for flirting... Read More
See all 6 Replies and
Read Discussion

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      The Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz Lines
      21 Questions Game: Spicy & Freaky Questions to Get to Know Your Crush
      100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-Esteem
      20+ Signs a Guy is Attracted to You
      How to
      Seduce a Man
      140 Flirty Jokes & Pick-Up Lines to Make Her Laugh
      How to
      Seduce a Woman
      70+ Sweet, Playful & Steamy Good Morning Texts To Send Your Man
      3 Ways to Be Smooth and Rizz Up a Girl
      How to
      Seduce an Older Woman
      What Are the Biggest Turn-Ons for Guys?
      Reading Women’s Body Language: Signs & Signals That She’s Flirting
      How to
      Flirt
      How to
      Talk to a Girl
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
      2. ↑ Collette Gee. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flirting
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-of-the-self/201210/flirt-vs-tease-whats-the-difference
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/between-you-and-me/201204/four-ways-keep-your-relationship-alive
      6. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/managing-conflicts-with-humor.htm
      8. ↑ Collette Gee. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
      9. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
      1. ↑ Collette Gee. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/hide-and-seek/201405/the-very-best-psychology-jokes
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-digitally/201601/what-your-sexting-really-reveals
      4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/ways-to-increase-intimacy-and-communication-with-an-avoidant-partner
      5. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/ways-to-increase-intimacy-and-communication-with-an-avoidant-partner
      6. ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/the-psychology-of-sexting/
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/love-digitally/201806/why-do-we-flirt-text
      8. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-watching-movies-can-benefit-our-mental-health

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 337,245 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement