Buzz
You're texting the guy you like, but he starts sending one-word replies or takes forever to respond, or even doesn't reply at all. These are typical signs of dry texting. It could mean he's not that interested in you, but it might also mean you need to adjust your texting style to make the conversation more engaging. We’ll provide you with some message ideas that could help make the conversation more interesting, test whether he likes you, and understand when it’s best to leave the conversation. Keep reading for some responses you can try when a guy sends you a dry message like this!
Steps
Understand the reason behind his dry messages.
It could be that he's busy, doesn’t like texting, or isn’t interested in you much. Short, dry texts can be really frustrating, but try to be patient when he sends brief or delayed replies. If he later resumes the conversation or sends longer, more detailed messages, it likely means he was just busy. However, if you notice he frequently texts this way, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does he initiate the conversation often? If you're always the one reaching out first, he might not be interested in you. It's his loss!
- How does he communicate in person? Is he someone who loves to talk, or is he shy and reserved? He could be introverted and not enjoy small talk. Try using a few conversation starters below to see if you can grab his attention.
- Has he ever sent long messages? If his texts suddenly become brief, it might be because something upset him. Reflect on your last interaction—did you do something to annoy him? If not, just give him some space and see if he reaches out.
- When do his messages tend to become dry? For example, does he reply more briefly when a certain topic comes up? He might prefer discussing certain subjects or talking at specific times of the day. Try switching topics and see if his responses are more engaging.
Restart the conversation by mentioning his hobbies.
He might send dry messages if he's not interested in the topic of conversation. To turn the ball back in his court, try suggesting that he talk about his interests. Use open-ended, fairly general questions, especially if you don’t know him very well yet. If you both share a common interest, that's even better for starting the conversation!
- “If you had 48 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?”
- “Is there something you've always wanted to try but haven't had the chance to yet?”
Use a fun question to revive a dull conversation.
He may not be interested in talking about school, work, or daily happenings. A playful question can help change the mood and make the conversation more engaging. Try suggesting games like “Truth or Dare” or “Would You Rather?” If he's not into games, you could send him a simple, fun question like:
- “If you had three wishes right now, what would you wish for?”
- “If you could travel through time, would you visit the future or go back to the past?”
- “Is there something you like that everyone else hates?”
Bring up a fun memory to remind him of your connection.
Start a message with a line like “Do you remember the time when we...?” If you've met him in person or have gone on a few dates, use shared experiences or fun moments to spark the conversation. When you haven't seen each other for a while, texting can often feel bland because you no longer have new memories to share. While waiting for your next date, remind him of the fun times you had together in person. Try using some inspiring messages like:
- “I just walked past our favorite café. Do you remember when we had that giant milkshake?”
- “I suddenly remembered that time we both burst into laughter outside the movie theater, and that lady kept staring at us. Do you remember what we were laughing about?”
Send a picture to have something more to talk about.
Send a picture of something interesting or funny around you. A picture can liven up the conversation, especially when his replies are becoming dull. Be sure not to send any overly personal photos unless you’re sure he's comfortable with that. Here are a few ideas:
- Take a picture of the beautiful nature around you.
- Send a snap of a delicious meal you're having.
- Do something funny and snap a picture of it.
Flirt a little to gauge if he likes you.
If he responds positively, you have nothing to worry about. Once the spark is ignited, it's likely he'll start replying with longer, more engaging messages. You can send a flirtatious emoji and say you’re looking forward to seeing him again, or send a compliment. If he likes you, he’ll probably flirt back or at least respond with something playful. Here are some examples:
- “You looked so handsome last night.”
- “I never knew you were so funny. I keep laughing about that story you told at the party the other day.”
- “Hey, handsome prince! What are you up to?”
Test how he feels about texting.
Your guy might not be a fan of texting, or he might not enjoy it at all. It's important to check how comfortable he is and what he prefers. Some guys send dry messages simply because they don’t like texting, so don't assume that his short messages mean he’s not into you. Try replying to a dry message with something like:
- “How do you feel about texting compared to talking in person?”
- “Hey, what do you think about texting?”
- “How do you usually stay in touch with people? Do you prefer texting or calling?”
Ask if he enjoys phone calls or video chats.
Ask him if he actually likes you. Dry texting is a tactic some guys use to signal they're not into you, especially if he refuses other forms of communication. If he doesn’t want to make a call or do a video chat, it might be time to move on. Try sending one of these messages to see if it’s time to exit the conversation:
- “I’m feeling like chatting like we used to tonight. How about a call?”
- “I miss seeing your handsome face. Want to video chat?”
- “Texting is getting a bit dull. How about we call instead?”
Ask if he wants to meet up and hang out.
Find out if he likes you by asking directly. Let him know that you have feelings for him. If he agrees, you'll know he’s interested in meeting you. If he declines, you can look for someone else to chat with. Either way, texting someone you like should be fun!
- “Huy, I like you. Want to hang out sometime?”
- “I enjoy chatting with you. How about lunch together this Thursday after class?”
- “Would you like to go out with me sometime?”
Prevent dry texting by asking more specific questions.
Instead of asking “How are you?”, try “Did you have anything interesting happen today?” Avoid yes/no questions that allow him to respond with just one word. By asking more specific questions or rephrasing typical questions, you'll get fuller responses. Also, by asking about his day, you'll get to know what he values or is passionate about, leading to deeper conversations.
- On average, people check their phone 58 times a day. If hours go by without a response, he might have seen it but didn’t care.
Tell him what kind of messages you like.
Apply this with a guy you’ve started dating. He might not realize that dry texts annoy you! When you’re getting to know each other, it’s important to communicate what makes both of you happy. Compliment him when he sends longer messages, and let him know you prefer that style. Try to find a way of communicating that makes both of you feel comfortable.
- “I get so happy every time I see a message from you.”
- “I love the messages you send! Talking to you is always fun.”
- “Thanks for always texting me before bed to check in.”
Stop responding if he continues sending dry messages.
In a good text conversation, both people must put in equal effort. Short, one-word messages or dry responses don't show any interest, and this laziness can even come off as rude if he always sends messages like this. You don't need to reply when a guy sends you dry messages or seems unenthusiastic about keeping the conversation going.
