How to restart a conversationon a dating app

You finally did it—you got to the texting stage with your crush.

Only, things didn't quite go as planned. You were going strong for a little while, but over time the conversation slowly fizzled out. How do you start things up again without making it awkward for everyone involved?

We may have the answer. Keep scrolling for our tips on how to rekindle a conversation with your crush.

Reference a Joke

Rekindling a conversation with your crush doesn't take a linear path. Since you've already established a connection, you can use numerous methods to relight the texting fire. One tried and true technique simply requires that you reference a joke from your past conversation. Whether it was something you used to tease each other for, an inside joke you developed or a hilarious meme you both loved, a witty text communicates your interest in chatting with them again in a laid-back, casual way. It's the perfect opening to restart the convo on a positive note, instead of making things uncomfortable for the both of you.

(via Unsplash)

Acknowledge the Weirdness

If you can't think of a joke that would elicit a reply from your crush, there's no shame in acknowledging the weirdness. You guys used to talk all the time and now it's radio silent? C'mon, it is a little odd. Of course, you can't be overbearing or passive aggressive with your text. A simple "Hey, stranger!" or "We haven't caught up in a while, what's up?" gets the point across beautifully. By acknowledging your lapse in communication in a non-threatening way, you eliminate the need for either of you to feel bad about it. If you end up dating down the line, then you can ask them why they disappeared on you for two weeks straight. It happened, but for now you can move on and talk about other things. 

Skip the Small Talk

If things fizzled out once before, the chances of them fizzling out again are even higher. If you're tired of the endless back and forth, skip the small talk and get straight to the point—text your crush and ask them on a date. It can be as casual as asking if they want to hang out this weekend or as bold as telling them that you like them and want to pursue a relationship. It's a daring move, but it will definitely push you out of the gray area and eliminate the need for another month of texting that doesn't really get you anywhere.

(Easy A via Screen Gems)

Start a New Convo

Probably the easiest way to rekindle a text conversation is to simply start an entirely new convo. While it can feel painfully personal when someone doesn't reply to your text message, it's not always as meaningful as it seems. Text conversations can go through ebbs and flows—a lack of response doesn't have to be the end of the world. If you're still trying to feel things out, send your crush a new text. If they're interested, they'll reply. If not, we promise no one will judge you for sending a "how was your day?" text.

Go in With the Compliment

Even the best among us love a little flattery. If you can boost your crush's ego a little, you might up your chances of restarting a genuine convo. Send them a simple, but sincere compliment to reignite their interest. Anything from complimenting their outfit that day to letting them know you're still thinking of them can be a sweet way to ease back into a conversation.

(Grown-ish via Freeform)

Know When to Give Up

Unfortunately, there is a harsh, but true reality that has to be faced. If your conversation with your crush keeps dwindling out, they're just not that into you. For your own sake, and theirs, you need to know when to give up. We recommend limiting yourself to one restart text per crush. If they don't respond, consider them uninterested in a relationship with you. You've made your interest apparent—the ball's in their court now. By knowing when to give up, you can save your crush from a lot of awkward avoidance, as well as yourself from plenty of potential embarrassment.

Looking for more texting tips? Click HERE for five red flags that might mean you're texting way too much.