If you’re single these days, it’s kind of inevitable that you’ll use dating apps. This is especially true if you are in the LGBTQ community. Personally, I’m an avid fan of HER for queer/lesbian/bisexual women, partly because it’s where I found met my girlfriend, and partly because it’s super inclusive. No matter what app you use, it can be really difficult to start talking to girls.

But it doesn’t need to be that way; all it takes is writing a message and clicking send! But it’s 2015, and everyone wants a bit more than a “hey what’s up” or “sup girl,” so if you’re on an app, thirsty, but struggling to find the words to start conversations with all your saved hotties, here are a few openers you can use…

1. “Your cat/dog is hella cute”

It’s likely they have a photo of their animal, and it’s likely they’re down to talk about them. Plus, they’ll probably laugh that you’re being forward about their attractiveness of their pet, and not them.

2.  Send her this:

Then say, “I thought you deserved a warm welcome to my profile aka aquarium :)”

3. “In case you were wondering, I get all my moves from Seinfeld." Then send her this:

You'll get a laugh, and laughing is always a great way to start conversation.

4. Send her this:

Then say.. “Joey is the perfect amount of creepy for chatting online, amiright?” Being completely awkward is the funniest way to get to know someone.

5. “You seem like a woman who’d enjoy a social justice kitten.” Then send her this:

Only a soulless mutant wouldn’t find the person who sent this a completely attractive human being.

6. Send her this giraffe:

Then say: “This was my reaction when I found out we were a match.”

7. “You excited for Friday? Because I am.”

Then send this: Mr. G

8. Send this:

Then say.. “JK, I’m not, glad we got that out of the way.”

The main point I'm trying to convey here is: don't take it too seriously. The more you focus on getting some sort of an emotional reaction (and I suggest that reaction be laughter), the more likely you are to have and sustain a conversation with someone. And hey, maybe you'll find your next girlfriend! Happy chatting.