Bring up something you have in common. “Could you believe how hard that test was? I don’t think my brain will ever recover.” “Rachel, I heard you’re going skiing this weekend? I’ve been wanting to go forever. What mountain are you going to?” “You have to listen to this song I just found last night. It’s going to blow your mind.” “Have you watched that show yet? Well, don’t start today. Wait till the weekend because you’re going to binge the whole thing straight, I know it.” Start with an event that’s coming up, or just happened. “You saw the game last night, right? I’m still trying to get over it.” “They finally opened up that new ice skating rink, did you see? Now I can finally show you my skills.” Talk about something around you. “The cafeteria is so empty today. Did everyone decide to go on vacation or something?” “Who brought in cookies today, do you know? They’re so good.” “The only reason it should ever be this hot is if I’m at the beach, but I’m not at the beach, so it’s not OK. Are you dying as much as I am?” Give her a teasing compliment or challenge. “I saw your Insta photo from surfing in Hawaii, you probably think you’re like a professional now, huh…” “I know you won that flashcard review game in statistics but I’m coming for you on the practice test. You don’t stand a chance of getting the high score this time.” “Good job planning that assembly, I think it was the only one all year that I didn’t fall asleep at.”