10 Ways to Respond to "Hey" on Bumble + Examples

‍Introduction

First impressions matter, and nowhere is this truer than in the world of online dating. While "hey" might seem like a lackluster opener, it's a common conversation starter for many users on Bumble. Why? Well, perhaps it's due to nervousness, playing safe, or just not knowing how to initiate.
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However, a simple "hey" is like a blank canvas, allowing you to paint the first strokes of an intriguing conversation. Your next move? Discovering how to respond to that 'hey' on Bumble and turning it into a captivating chat. Let’s dive right into the heart of the conversation.

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How Should I Respond to 'Hey' on Bumble?

On Bumble, where women make the first move, a simple "hey" can be intriguing. You might wonder, why would someone, given the opportunity to start fresh, begin with just a "hey"? There could be a myriad of reasons:
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1. Playing It Safe: For some, venturing into the world of online dating is still unfamiliar territory. Starting with a neutral "hey" can be a safe choice to test the waters without risking too much.

2. Avoiding Overexertion: A common reality of dating apps is that not every conversation progresses. By starting with a "hey", some might be trying to gauge interest before investing more effort into the conversation.

3. Making Rejection Less Painful: A simple "hey" is less personal and thus might feel less rejecting if it doesn't get a response compared to a more tailored and thoughtful opener.

4. Genuine Curiosity: Sometimes, a "hey" is a genuine approach of someone wanting to get to know you but uncertain of how to kick things off in a memorable way.
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A golden rule for most conversational openers is to be interesting. If the conversation starts with a mere "hey", it's an invitation for you to elevate it. Here lies your chance to turn the table. Let’s look at some example responses.

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Engage Directly

Example: "Hey there! How's your day going?"

‍Reasoning: Shows genuine interest in their day and sets a friendly tone. However, it could be perceived as a typical response, lacking originality. This approach is the most straightforward, but it’s very commonly used and could lead to ghosting.

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Reference Their Bio or Pictures for a Connection

Find a particular detail in their bio and build a connection around it. This is the best way to get people to engage as it demonstrates you've taken the time to read their profile and are keen to explore shared interests. Highlighting common ground is usually a great start. However, it might feel forced if the shared interest isn't particularly strong or central to their identity.

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Example:

Their Bio: "Obsessed with 80s rock and vinyl records."
Your Response: "Hey! Noticed you love 80s rock. Ever listen to 'The Smiths' on vinyl?"

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Example:

Their Pictures: *Shown hiking in the woods or in the mountain*
Your Response: "Hey! Saw you're into hiking. Ever hiked the Grand Canyon?"

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Ask Open-ended Questions

This encourages them to share more about themselves, fostering a more in-depth conversation. Try to make it as natural as possible.

Example: "Hey! What's the best thing that happened to you this week?"

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Use Humor

Showcasing a playful side can lighten the mood. On the flip side, some might misinterpret it as sarcasm or being dismissive.

Example: "Hey! Is that the best you got, or are you just saving your best lines for later? 😜"

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Not still sure how to respond to "hey" on Bumble? Don't sweat it. Chat Assistant can help!

Get Playfully Challenging

While it's a show of confidence and initiative, it might come off as overly assertive to some.

Example: "Hey? Just 'hey'? Challenge accepted! Let's make this conversation epic."

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Show Genuine Curiosity

Displays genuine curiosity about their dreams or wishes, which can lead to a plethora of topics.

Example: "Hey! I'm curious, if you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?"

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Compliment Sincerely

Genuine compliments can boost their confidence. But there's a risk—it could come off as insincere if not delivered well. Would recommend to add emojis to the text to add some sincerity into the texts as well.

Example: "Hey! I must say, your smile in that third photo is absolutely captivating."

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Dive into Pop Culture

A fun way to gauge their interests, but it does make an assumption about their pop culture knowledge or preferences.

Example: "Hey! So, Team Marvel or Team DC?"

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Share a Fun Fact

Paves the way for a delightful and educational exchange.

‍Example: "Hey! Did you know the shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896? It lasted 38 minutes! Any fun facts up your sleeve?"

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Set a Hypothetical Scenario

A creative way to know more about their priorities and imaginations.

Incorporating these strategies while being mindful of the nuances can make the conversation not only engaging but also more authentic and enjoyable.

Example: "Hey! If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?"‍
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You can use our Chat Assistant by uploading a screenshot of your Bumble matches bio and getting an example response:

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4. Keep Your Responses Balanced

Maintaining conversational balance is key to fostering a comfortable chat environment. If they started with a simple "hey," it might be overwhelming for them if you reply with a comprehensive biography or a deep philosophical question.

Instead, aim to match their tone and pacing. Gradually steer the conversation towards more profound topics, allowing both of you to ease into the chat and find common ground.

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5. Reflect Their Profile

Always take a moment to skim through their profile before crafting your response. The music they like, hobbies they're passionate about, or even the books they read can be goldmines of conversation starters.

It not only helps in steering the conversation towards shared interests but also demonstrates that you've taken an active interest in getting to know them. It's a simple gesture that can significantly influence the quality and direction of your chat.

By implementing these tips, you can help ensure that your conversations on Bumble start on the right foot and develop into meaningful interactions.

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If you don't get a lot of "heys" or messages on Bumble, you need to review your Profile. Let our experts help you with Profile Review!

Conclusion

Online dating is as much about discovery as it is about connection. While a simple "hey" may seem like an underwhelming start, with the right approach and tools, it can lead to meaningful conversations and potential connections.

Want more tips or looking to up your online dating game? Check out our product and dive deeper into our blog section for more insights and advice.