Online Dating Site Openers

Two creative styles of first message for dating sites. The idea is to stand out from the dozens of "hey" messages in her inbox by being playful and showing some personality. The examples here are written for this wiki.

The mock-arrogant compliment

Compliment her, then undercut it with a ridiculous boast so it doesn't read as gushing:

"Your profile actually made me laugh, which is rare. I'd normally be too busy fending off offers to star in action films, but I can probably squeeze you in for a coffee. 😄"

Works because it's a genuine compliment wrapped in obvious self-mockery.

The "trying too hard" poem

Send a deliberately over-the-top message where you "try" different approaches and reject each one, for example a few silly haikus:

"Hi [name]. I wanted to stand out, so I wrote you a haiku:

Your photos made me / forget how to write a good / opening message

…No, too honest. Let me try again:

Coffee, then a walk / maybe tacos if you're nice / reply if you smiled"

Works because it's funny, shows effort and creativity, and ends with an easy call to action.

Tips

Personalise. Mention something from her profile so it's not obviously copy-pasted.
Keep it short enough to read on a phone.
End with something easy to reply to.

The mock-arrogant compliment

The "trying too hard" poem

Tips

See also