After meeting someone and exchanging numbers, you initially felt a strong connection and agreed to keep in touch. However, you're now finding it challenging to initiate text conversations and feeling unsure of what to say. Although you want to avoid overthinking and complicating things, you still desire to maintain the initial chemistry. Here are some tips on how to text someone you recently met without coming off as awkward.

1. Remind them of your first encounter

If you're struggling with what to text someone you met at a party or business meeting, try bringing up something memorable from that day. Whether it's about the event or the person who introduced you, mentioning something specific can be a great conversation starter. For example, you could say, "I had a great time at the party last night. How about you?" This approach can help you avoid feeling awkward while sparking a dialogue.

2. Throw them a genuine compliment

Complimenting someone is a great way to stroke their ego and make them feel good. When texting someone you just met, find things that you genuinely admire about them and give a compliment. It could be something they did that you found impressive or a physical trait that you find attractive. Just remember to keep it appropriate and not too sexual. For example, you could say something like, "I've been smiling non-stop since we met. Your smile is infectious!" Or, you could praise their skills, such as their dancing, singing, or listening abilities.

3. Tell a good joke

Making someone laugh is a fantastic way to connect with someone you've just met over text. If you're confident in your sense of humor, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase it. Share a joke, but make sure it's respectful and not likely to offend them. Avoid insensitive jokes that could make you look like a clown, but don't be afraid to be a little silly. Showing your goofy side can help them see another dimension of your personality.

4. Give them time to respond

If you're texting someone you just met, it's important to avoid double texting or overwhelming their inbox with too many messages. After sending a text, wait for them to respond before sending another. Even if they don't respond for a few hours or even a day, be patient and give them space. Resist the urge to constantly follow up and check if they're okay. Giving them time and space to respond can show that you're respectful of their time and not overly pushy.

5. Don't be entitled

It's important to avoid making demands or coming across as controlling when texting someone you just met. Avoid saying things like "I want to talk to you now" or making unreasonable demands. If they take time to respond to your messages, don't follow up with complaints that they're ignoring you. Remember, this is someone you just met, and it's essential to respect their boundaries. They might be busy or not interested in talking at the moment, and that's okay. Don't pressure them into responding or make them feel obligated to talk to you.

6. Don't be boring

When texting someone you just met, it's important to be creative and avoid boring or dry messages. One-word messages like "hi" don't encourage conversation, so instead, try asking the person what they're up to or share something interesting about your day. Keep the conversation flowing and match their energy. If they're lively and enthusiastic, make sure your messages are just as engaging so you don't put them off. The key is to keep the conversation interesting and enjoyable for both of you.

7. Go slow on the emojis

When texting someone you just met, it's important to be mindful of how they feel about emojis. Not everyone enjoys using them, so use them sparingly until you get a better sense of their texting style. You can still make the conversation interesting by using emojis when appropriate, but avoid overdoing it. Using five laughing emojis may be too much when one would suffice. As you continue to text, you'll learn more about their texting preferences and what they enjoy or don't enjoy in a conversation.

8. Check your grammar

It's important to be mindful of your grammar when texting someone you just met. While some people may not mind errors, others may be put off by them. To avoid coming across as careless or someone who can't follow basic rules, it's a good idea to proofread your messages before sending them. If you're hoping to build a relationship with this person, you don't want simple mistakes to disqualify you from a potential connection. Taking the time to proofread your messages shows that you're thoughtful and invested in the conversation.

9. Avoid texting during odd hours

It's best to avoid texting someone you just met late at night until you get to know each other better. Not only might they be asleep, but it can also give the impression that you don't respect their personal time. They may wonder why you chose to message them so late when you had the whole day. It's important to show respect for their boundaries and not disrupt their sleep with untimely messages.

10. Identify common interests

When texting someone you just met, it's important to find common ground and shared interests. Ask them about their hobbies or what shows they're currently watching to get a sense of what they're interested in. This will give you a basis for conversation and ensure that you have topics to discuss that both of you will enjoy.