Best response rate dating apps

Dating apps just keep on getting better. You can swipe right ‘til your heart’s content, or execute a full FBI-style background check on all potential singles with informative bios (yes, I will use your instahandle to check your tagged photos live up to the hype #sorrynotsorry).

With England back in lockdown (and other areas of the world embracing social distancing as part of 'the new normal'), there's never been a stranger time for Millennials to face dating. With pubs and restaurants shut, organic dating isn't exactly an option so because of this strange new world, plenty of people are finding themselves logging onto a dating app for the first time... and probably wondered why they'd been avoiding them for so long (am I right?). As we head into winter (i.e. hibernation season), logging onto a dating app is the perfect way to keep your dating life alive until we can resume a more normal love life again and setting up some dates via apps is the perfect way to reinitiate yourself into the post-lockdown dating scene and get out of the house in a month or so. If all your coupled-up mates' lives have catapulted forward in the past few months (hello, lockdown engagements and pregnancies), it's time to get yourself back out there - unless you're happy being single because you totally should feel empowered to do what the hell you want.

And while it’s easy to be a backseat, lazy dater and leave the first move up to someone else, empowering apps like Bumble let us take matters into our own hands – you can have the first word, and save yourself 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?

While Bumble can’t actually see into your profile for security reasons – don’t worry, nobody else witnessed John from the next town over ignoring your hilarious pun about his dog – they can advise us on the lines they’re confident achieve the best responses. 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”.

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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.

Top Ten Opening Lines

1. A GIF (proven to be most effective) is the best ice breaker

This feature is built into Bumble for ease. Normally I’m not a GIF-y person, but you can’t deny the stats. If you can't think of something to say, or need to send a message before that 24 hour window disappears this is a great way to throw the ball back into his court (and, apparently, make him read your profile).

2. There is something wrong with my phone - it doesn’t have your number in it.

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There was nothing subtle here, but the evidence speaks for itself 'best chat up line' he's heard for a while.

3. Do you like raisins? How about a date?

Charlie was completely sold on this one - maybe there is something to be said for being bold?

4. Did Ross and Rachel ever really break up?

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Another official seal of approval, hats off to Bumble! Of course, we're all hooked on Friends again since it reappeared on Netflix.

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5. Do you have a spirit animal?

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I was a bit worried about where he was going, for a minute there...

6. Coachella or Glastonbury?

Maybe George was as unlucky as me in getting tickets for Glastonbury 2020, or perhaps he got distracted into thinking what his Glastonbury look could be?

7. *Picture of a lemon* Sorry I couldn’t find an opening lime

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A surprisingly strong success rate. Further proof that talking about food preferences can get you far on dating apps!

8. Do you have pineapple on your pizza?

Straight in heavy with a compatibility test, this’ll forewarn you of any potential fights over your hungover pizza delivery. Sadly for me, Jack thought my approval of this combo was literally criminal.

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9. What would you do if you won the lottery?

Apparently you need to be specific here, which I just wasn’t prepared for. I never did hear what he’d buy me his loved ones for Valentine's Day with that 4 mil.

10. I’m free Thursday at 7pm. Work for you?

This one… worked surprisingly well. Aside from the fact I that had to skip my yoga class and cancel the dinner plans I already had (oops), and despite what this astrologist predicted, we've been dating for 6 months. Here's to hoping we can last the lockdown!

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