14 Ways NOT to Start an Online Dating Conversation

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So, we've all been there. You've both swiped right. Or he's a match. Or he's 15 feet away. But now what? Who messages first? And what should you say?

While there's plenty of advice about what you should say, here are some things you definitely shouldn't say to start off the conversation:

1. "A/S/L?"

Some people won't even know what this stands for. The era of asking "age/sex/location" died with AIM (and some people won't know what that stands for, either).

2. "Hi."

There's nothing more original you could have come up with?

3. "Sup."

It's appalling that this is still even a thing.

4. "Hot."

What, exactly? The weather? Your middle school English teacher? Use. Your. Words.

5. "Horny?"

Couple things here. 1) If you're on a site that's intended to help you hook up, chances are, yes, they're horny, do you really need to ask? 2) If you're on a site that's more for dates, this might not be the best question to ask if they've actually spent time filling out a profile, the point of which, is to provide you with conversation fodder.

6. "Nice pics."

Ok, it's a start. But what, about them, are nice? And if there's a profile attached to those pics, try throwing in a little detail that let's them know you actually read it.

7. "Top or bottom?"

Even if a hook up is exactly what you're looking for, you may be missing out on something great (even if it's just for a night) if you start the conversation with immediate categorizations.

8. "Masculine?"

Do you even gender studies, bro?

9. "Hard."

What? Words? Typing? Forming complete thoughts? Clearly.

10. "Hey, man."

Yes, yes the person you are messaging is most likely a man. Thank you for that insightful observation.

11. "Did we go out one time?"

Um, 1) if we did and you don't remember, no points, and 2) if we didn't and you don't remember, still no points.

12. "I don't really like Star Wars."

NEXT!

13. "I'm not really into the whole online dating thing, but ..."

Dude, none of us are. But we're all here, reading through these messages, tryin' to get some cuddles/dick/husbands, so announcing that you're somehow above it isn't doing you any favors.

14. "I'm voting for Trump."

Just no.