How To Start A Conversation On Dating App

We know a lot of people really can't be bothered to log onto dating apps and swipe and swipe until they've found a match. It can be tedious, dull and, let's be honest, a little soul-destroying at times. But if you're looking for love, you don't need us to tell you that, sometimes, it's just about rolling with the punches. And the pandemic's lasting legacy on our love lives is that virtual dating became our only option. Yes, lockdown is lifting and bars and pubs are beginning to open their doors once again, but for many of us, the thought of an IRL date is still enough to give us the ick. The answer? Dating apps, of course.

The good news is, dating apps have had a modern makeover and aren't half as cringe as you might expect. In fact, they're the perfect way to keep your dating life alive until you feel comfortable returning to 'normal'. Besides, it's usually a good idea to properly connect with someone before setting up a date to reinitiate yourself into the post-lockdown dating scene. If all your coupled-up mates' lives have catapulted forward in the past few months (hello, lockdown engagements and baby bumps!), and you're finding yourself wondering what's out there, we say it's time to feel empowered to get yourself back out there.

These are the best dating apps out there to help you find love in this post-lockdown world

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By Ali Pantony and Bianca London

And while it's easy to be a backseat, lazy dater and leave the first move up to someone else, empowering female-focused apps like Bumble let us take matters into our own hands. If you're new to Bumble, women love it because they can have the first word, and save themselves from toe-curlingly cringe chat up lines. Except most of us aren't used to throwing ourselves out there, and what on earth are we supposed to say?

We spoke to the team at Bumble, who said: "We find the best opening lines are to the point, trigger a reaction, or are rooted in a good sense of humour".

The experts also gave us the top ten Bumble recommended opening lines, so I decided to cast all inhibitions aside and put them to the test to see which ones really worked and which totally flopped. I tested them out so you can be armed with the best opening lines. You're welcome.