Respond with something like, “Hey Eric! It’s nice to meet you. ” At least he knows you got his message and it will be up to him to start moving the conversation forward.

For instance, you can write, “How’s it going?” This is simple but will get the conversation started. You could also try, “What are you up to?” This gives him a chance to tell you about what he’s been doing. A more targeted question could ask, “How was your weekend?” Answering that provides him an opportunity to share some activities of interest to him.

For example, “I saw that you compete in triathlons. Wow, how long have you been doing that?” This opens the door for more conversation on either of your interests. Another comment could be, “I read in your bio that you have four sisters! I guess you’ve spent a lot of time around women. ” This gives him a chance to share about his family.

If both of you like sports try something like, “I bet, like me, you are tired today from watching the overtime and penalty shots from the hockey game last night. Can you believe we won?” This opens the door to discussing mutual interests. Tell him you have a common interest by sharing a detail about yourself, “I am also training for a half marathon. It will be my sixth one. How long have you been running and what distances have you tried?”

You could try, “I enjoy chatting with you. You seem really funny and sweet. ” Express to him, “I can’t believe how comfortable I am talking to you. If feel like we have known each other a lot longer. ”

The GIF you choose could be funny, nostalgic or silly. These images can be used to help advance the conversation or share something about your personality.

You could comment, “Hey, I love the photo of you at the waterfall. Where was that taken?”[5] X Research source Point out, “You look really happy in that picture of you at the beach. What beach were you visiting?”

Out of nowhere you could ask, “Have you ever been whitewater rafting? Because I have always wanted to go. ” It may seem random but fun and can bring out more conversation.

An example of a cheesy, but funny joke would be, “What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire. ”[7] X Research source

Try something cheeky like, “I’m interested in meeting up. Fun or future?” You can attempt to keep it light and still get a read on what he is hoping for. If you want to be more serious try, “So I’m enjoying our conversations but I’m wondering what type of connection you are looking for?”

You could say, “I’m really enjoying getting to know you, here’s my number. Give me a call and let’s find a time and place to meet. ” This example let’s him know that you are interested in moving forward but you want to plan it together. If you want to talk first and then discuss meeting try responding with, “Here’s my number. Give me a call, I’d love to chat. Maybe we can even meet up sometime. ”

For instance you could say, “My friends and I are going out for drinks later, I would love if you dropped by so that we can meet. ” Inform him about a public event you’ll be attending,”There’s a watch party for the World Series game tonight in town. I’ll be there hanging out with some friends. Why don’t you join us?"

Offer a suggestion like, “There is a great park by the river downtown, what if I pack a picnic lunch, you grab something for dessert and afterward we go kayaking?” For a bit more romantic setting, “There’s a new restaurant I’ve been dying to try in the city. Would you like to meet there for dinner this weekend?”

Try telling him, “I’ve enjoyed chatting with you but I don’t think we have enough in common. I don’t want to waste any more of your time and I wish you the best of luck. ”

Respond with, “I’m not interested in something like what you suggested. Good luck finding someone else who is. "

If he has made comments that put you down or made it clear that he can’t accept you for who you are, stop responding and move on. He is not worth your time. You have no obligation to respond to messages you receive. If they’re off-putting to you, don’t reply.