Ask her easy, casual questions about herself. “How was your weekend?” “So where do you work?” “What’s your major?” “You’re in Mr. Watson’s history class, right? What period?” Comment on something around you. “It’s so crowded in here! Is it always like this on Fridays?” “Everyone walks so slow in this hallway… I don’t want to go to class either, but come on!” “How do you think the cafeteria fries are today? I’m feeling optimistic.” Joke around or tease her playfully. “Wow, top score on the literature essay? I feel so intimidated now… am I still allowed to talk to you?” “Your lunch smells so good, I know there’s no way you made it yourself.” “OK, here, let me help you open your pretzels. I don’t want you to hurt yourself. And I’ll only charge you half of the bag for my services.” Talk about things you have in common. “You’re friends with Alyssa, right? That’s crazy. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” “I didn’t know you liked to run! Where do you go around here?” “None of my friends are into these kinds of movies. It’s so crazy to finally meet someone who is! Now maybe they won’t think I’m so weird…” “I couldn’t believe how hard that test was! Please don’t tell me you thought it was easy…” Ask her about things that are important to her. “That’s awesome that you volunteer at the food bank. How long have you been doing that?” “Do you have a big family? Are you guys able to see each other a lot?” “What kind of paintings do you do? I’d love to see one.”