As for everyone else, as of Bumble’s latest policy update, anyone can make the first move if the two people who match are the same gender or if at least one person is nonbinary. Fear not: We asked dating experts for their best advice to help you start engaging in conversation when you match with someone on Bumble, whether you have the first move or they do. “Who doesn’t love a compliment?” Zuckerman asks, rhetorically, of course. Just as you appreciate someone noticing your cool hairdo or cute top, guys like compliments too. If you think he has a nice smile or an awesome beard, get the conversation going by letting him know. If a woman you matched with already sent a first message with a compliment of some sort, Zuckerman believes that presents a great opportunity: “If they compliment you, say thank you, and return with a compliment of them. Try to make compliments about their interests and profile information rather than physical attributes.” If you’re a man matching with women, you’ll have to wait for the woman to start the conversation. If you’re nonbinary, a man matching with someone other than a woman, or a woman matching with women, either person can start the conversation. After one person starts the conversation, the other person also has 24 hours to respond before the option to do so disappears. If this format makes you feel uneasy for whatever reason, you might want to try Hinge, eharmony, or Tinder. (For guys, Bumble is actually often rated as one of the best options, but here’s our full list of the best dating apps for men if you want some other ideas.) The best opening lines don’t feel like lines at all. Personalize the above messages to fit your match and align with your voice. Authenticity is always the best practice on dating apps.
