While it may be tempting to dismiss guys who initiate contact online with flirty messages, it's important to consider that it may not always be a sign of a casual hookup. Despite the fact that such behavior can be creepy and annoying, it was actually how I met my current boyfriend. I'm not alone in this experience, as many others have also found love through similar interactions. Therefore, it's worth considering why you shouldn't be too hasty in dismissing those guys who slide into your DMs.

1. Those guys are brave AF

It's important to recognize that most guys are just as scared of rejection as we are. Even though it may seem overconfident for a guy to send a flirty message out of the blue, it's worth acknowledging that he took a risk and probably pushed himself out of his own comfort zone to do so. Many guys lack the courage to make such an approach, so it's admirable when they do.

2. It's a bit more personal that online dating

Nowadays, social media is a popular platform to connect and interact with people. It enables you to share personal experiences and stay in touch with friends and family. Compared to the unsolicited explicit messages and pictures one receives on dating apps, social media provides a refreshing break. Although it may not be the most preferred option, it still proves to be a better alternative than being matched with someone based solely on your favorite colors and movies.

3. It's the modern-day equivalent of approaching you in real life

Consider this: Is there much difference between a man approaching you at a bar to offer a drink and a man messaging you on Facebook to ask you out for dinner? Not really. Both are making a confident move to explore a potential connection with you.

4. Before you shut a guy down for being creepy, feel out his personality

Many women tend to assume the worst of such men, and while it's reasonable to be cautious due to the prevalence of negative experiences and unpleasant individuals, it's also acceptable to form your own opinion and give the guy a chance to demonstrate himself before labeling him as creepy. If you feel he could be a good match, despite his approach catching you off guard, it's worth giving him an opportunity to prove himself before dismissing him.

5. We literally summon strangers from the internet through Tinder — what's the difference?

If you can quickly approve a guy's profile and arrange to meet him for coffee based on a brief introduction and a few days of texting, then you should also consider the possibility that the man who contacts you through DMs could potentially be a good person.

6. Be safe, but take chances and step out of your comfort zone

Although it's sensible to exercise caution while interacting or meeting men online, responding to a profile that appears genuine, especially if you share mutual friends, is generally safe. Follow your intuition and give the guy the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

7. You can judge a person better on their social media pages than on dating sites

One advantage of being approached on social media platforms like Facebook, rather than dating websites, is that you often get a genuine glimpse into their real life. The man doesn't have six meticulously curated pictures and a perfectly crafted write-up that was probably copied from a dating guide. Instead, his profile offers a candid view of his actual life.

8. You have nothing to lose

There's no harm in having a conversation with a guy who contacts you through DMs. The real deal only starts when you decide to meet in person, which is no different from any dating app. Consider the guy who approaches you on social media as just another eligible bachelor on a dating app. Unless they behave impolitely or inappropriately, there's no reason to ignore their bold approach. These guys are taking a chance and pursuing what they want.

9. He could be your forever guy

I'm confident that I'm not the only one who can attest to the fact that those guys who slide into DMs can turn into something significant. Relationships have evolved in recent times, and they can form unexpectedly in random places. Social media is now the modern equivalent of "meeting in the line at the grocery store," and if you're fortunate, one of those messages could be from the exact type of man you've been seeking. Don't dismiss it too quickly, give it a chance, and who knows, it could turn out to be something great.