What are the best conversation starters for online dating?

Don't do something straight forward, or tell her how beautiful she looks (I think that's pathetic). Instead of asking her questions you should answer unanswered questions: "how was your day?" Tell her something bad or great that went on to you. That way if she wants to talk to you she'll ask about it later. For example: "I have a job interview I'm worried about." She will answer later, "how did it go?" Then you'll te her all the interesting parts. Just tell her something about you or your day every time you want to talk to her, and if you know she has something going on in her life ask her about it.

Good morning Lindsay, I was sent this question as a request (however I am not a “fella” in anyway. Actually quite the opposite.) Lindsay, women find funny and humor, sexy. When a man is genuinely being ridiculous and playful it is sexy. Since she is an intelligent person tell her you're going to teach her a foreign language. Make sure it is a language that neither one of you know how to speak. Ask her to repeat after you… Example: this guy I dated used to give me French lessons even though he did not speak French at all. It was hilarious. He would take any random word and “French it up.” Spatula was “ Leh Spezooleuh” Don't even get me started on the words rhinoceros and appendectomy. He even went so far numerous times ,when we were in person, as to take my face in his hands and move my cheeks and lips to help me pronounce the words! The guy was very intelligent and was actually trilingual; however just not in French. But his ability to be ridiculous was very charming and funny. He reminded me of Peter Sellers in those old pink panther movies. It didn't work out romantically for us however he is one of my best closest most trusted friends today. That was over 10 years ago! I hope my little story and advice helps in someway. It's wonderful dating someone you like. Have a great time and have fun! Mary

Hello, how are you? usually works.  Also stating what you're up to, a question you've had, a new discovery or a project you've finished can help.

She probably gets a million of those. Mention an interest you have in common, ask about a funny quote from her profile, ask if she's had any luck...stand out.

I pick up dudes on dating sites and I usually lead with something stupid and flippant as per what I've read on their profile.  the whole process takes an entirety of about 30 seconds. tl;dr: don't overthink it.  they'll write you back if they think you're funny or rich or something. for the record, I tend to ignore, "hi, how are you," messages.  it's unfair, I know, and I'm sure y'all are very nice guys indeed, but it's just so boring!  I strongly prefer not to have boring conversations.

I've been on and off dating sites for years.  I'm a fairly attractive woman and get a ton of messages! It's like a full time job sorting them all if you only check the site once a week ur left with 40-80 messages a week!!  So for someone to stand out initially it's the photo they use that gets me to even open the email.  if I'm attracted to the main photo I'll click on the message otherwise I completely ignore the other ones.  It sounds shallow but the basis is... If I saw u on the street just from that first impression ( which online photo is my first impression) would I want to talk to u.  So I highly suggest making sure ur main photo conveys everything u want it to for the type of woman u are looking for.   After you get past that ... On to answer ur question... To start a conversation, to really stand out, even the the unattractive guys have caught my attention and I've gone on dates with them... For the simple fact that they took the time to read my profile and actually wrote about 3-5 sentences commenting on the wording in my profile. I get  tons of hi and  hellos.... Boringggg! I want someone who shows he's interested in me from the start and not just into my looks and throwing out a lazy hi.  But I also don't want some creepy stalker that writes me an entire journal!  3-5 sentences about hey I love that ur going to be an art therapist I have a friend  that is one. How did u get interested in that...etc...  Women want to be shown on those sights that u don't just want to screw them that u like their interest hobbies and brains :-). Good luck hope this helps!

I see that you are a psychiatry graduate. No doubt you need some practical experience to develop your skills. How about I spend some couch time with you, hoping to resolve my deep and long unresolved attraction to female psychiatrists. No? How about I scream, then?

I like broad open ended questions. "Tell me about the time you had most fun in the last 90 days." I use that in an open conversation. As for opening statements, I like to mention what I like about her profile or some activity depicted in her pictures. I tend to avoid compliments that she heard before. My goal is to simply have her read my profile. I simply apply my usual sales techniques with modified questions to get her to talk about herself much like when building rapport with a new prospect. The more she talks, the more interested she gets. I try to not step over the line into interrogation.

Be natural and casual, ask her about her life, what she likes, talk about current subjects, tell about the things you think you have in common and don't use cheap sung. Good luck and thank you for asking me.