Engaging Fun Conversation Starters & Tips

Hi there, Sugar Members! We know some of you may be new to the online dating world and some of you may be shy to send that first message to someone you are interested in.

Not to worry, we have worked on a few Fun Ideas for you, so get ready to turn up the heat and break the ice with that special someone! Let's dive in!

Introduce Yourself: This could go either way but it's a very good way to break the ice. Don't just say your name and wait for a response. Don't do that, you will be ignored. Introduce yourself and add a follow up question. Eg “My name is Femi, I enjoy taking photographs of vintage architecture in Lagos because they are fascinating and tell a lot of stories. What do you think of old Lagos buildings?” The conversation will naturally pick up from there because it shows you are not afraid to be yourself and be genuine. Also it shows proactiveness, and tells them that you are an interesting fellow.

Find Common Ground: Take a peek at their profile and find something interesting to spark up a conversation. Whether they're into reading, cooking, biking, or nightlife, use their interests as a springboard for conversation. It could even be something you both have in common. Having common interests reduces the tension at the beginning of a conversation and helps you get comfortable with each other. For example, "I noticed you're into wines! I am too. Any favorites you recommend? I'm a huge fan of dry Reds." “You’ve got an interesting profile picture/hobby/field of study. Care to tell me a bit about it?” “I have a Lhasa too and they're the absolute best. What's your baby's name?”

Skip the Generic Greetings: Say goodbye to boring "Hey" “Hi” messages and opt for something more engaging. These messages are often ignored because they don't show any effort or interest. They are bland, boring and overused. Show your personality right off the bat with a playful greeting like, "Apart from being an absolute cutie, what else can you tell me about yourself?” Don't be shy or afraid to start off interesting and curious. Step out of your comfort zone and show forth that dazzling personality!

Be Direct and Assertive: Confidence is key when it comes to breaking the ice. Nobody wants someone who isn’t direct and honest with their approach. Confidence is sexy. Assertiveness sells. Instead of beating around the bush, be direct and assertive in your approach. Let them know you're interested and excited to get to know them better. Be genuine, sweet and confident. Let them know where you are at (in the dating world) and what you are looking for. Let them know how much you fancy them and whether they will like to take things a bit further. But be careful, do not be hasty, or pushy. Confidence, not forcefulness.

Weather and Food Talk: Yes, we're bringing up these! It might seem cliché, but discussing the weather or food can actually be a fun and lighthearted way to kick off a conversation. Everyone enjoys talking about something the other can relate to. Weather for men and Food for women. Don't ask us why it is food for women. Trust us, it works. Try something like, "I can never understand the weather in Lagos, why is it raining in February?" “I've been wondering where to get the best Tiramisu on the island, any idea where?” "How many VI restaurants have you been to?'

Give a Genuine Compliment: We love compliments! Who doesn't love a good ego boost? Shower your interest with a sincere compliment to start things off on a positive note. Especially if their romance language includes words of affirmation. Whether it's their charming smile, sense of style, photographs or killer wit, let them know what caught your eye. And do not be creepy about it. And no sexual "compliments". That is frankly a turn off and a huge red flag!

Politeness is Key: Remember your manners and show genuine interest in your interest or conversation partner. Be polite, attentive, and respectful throughout your interaction, and you'll set the stage for a delightful conversation. Remember not to cuss, you are having a civilized discussion with a respectful member of the community.

Tell a Joke: Laughter is the ultimate icebreaker, so why not kick things off with a joke or funny opening line? Keep it light and playful to get those chuckles rolling. And laughter makes everyone more comfortable and relaxed, it removes that initial anxiety that's attached to first conversations. How about, “Do you believe in love at first message, or should I try again?” “Do you like bad girls/boys? Because I’m really bad at dating apps.” Use your own twist, be natural with it and don't do too much. Also no lewd or creepy jokes.

Plan a Fun Activity: Take the conversation beyond small talk by suggesting a fun activity you could enjoy together. You can send a message talking about things you could do together. Whether it's trying out a new restaurant, attending a concert or visiting an art gallery. It could be “I noticed you enjoy going to the beach (from your interests/private photos), how about we spend an entire day on the beach sometime next week. I can send my driver to come get you if that's okay with you.”.

Start with Pick Up Lines: Put a fresh spin on classic pickup lines to catch their attention and pique their interest. Get creative and tailor your pickup line to their interests or profile for an extra dose of charm. It could be “You're so fine, you made me forget my pickup line.” “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?” It could even be from something you see on their profile, for example: If they're Christian and it's on their profile, you could say something like "Jesus turned water to wine, and soon, he's going to turn you to mine". You are most definitely going to get a laugh out of that. Make it interesting and lighthearted.

Above all, be authentic and true to yourself. Let your personality shine through in your messages and embrace your unique quirks.

After all, there's nothing more attractive than someone who's genuine and unapologetically themselves. So there you have it, folks – our top tips for breaking the ice and starting a conversation that is refreshing.

Whether you're exchanging witty banter or sharing heartfelt stories, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey of getting to know someone new.

Happy chatting!