First message on a dating site: examples that work

The first message, that decisive moment

The first message often makes the difference between a conversation that takes off and a match that goes nowhere. The good news: a few simple principles are enough.

What to avoid

• A bare "hi" or "how are you?" with no effort.
• Compliments only about looks.
• Copy-paste openers sent to everyone.

What works

A good first message is personalised, light, and ends with an open question.

Example 1 — pick up on a profile detail:

"I saw you love hiking. Do you have a favourite spot around Valais, or do you explore everywhere?"

Example 2 — a touch of local humour:

"So, fondue in winter or a lakeside apéro in summer? Important question for what comes next 😄"

Example 3 — genuine curiosity:

"Your photo in Montreux is gorgeous. Are you local or just passing through?"

The secret: give a reason to reply

A specific question that's easy and pleasant to answer always beats a closed statement.

Once the conversation is going, stay natural and suggest a simple first date near you, in Lausanne or your own town.

Want to put these tips into practice? Join T'chieu c't équipe for free and chat with unlimited messages with singles near you.