How to revive a conversation through messaging that seems to be coming to an end

Messaging is a great way to keep in touch when meeting in person isn’t an option, but sometimes it can be difficult to maintain the flow of a conversation. If you don’t want to say goodbye just yet, but things seem to be stalling, you can try “re-energizing” the chat by switching topics or revisiting something both of you previously discussed. If you're unsure where to start, don’t worry—this article has plenty of ideas to try.

This approach may be classic, but it never goes out of style. At first glance, it might seem obvious, but people often don’t get many chances to talk about themselves. Let the person know that you genuinely care about what’s going on in their life and hope they feel comfortable enough to open up. You might discover that they’re working on an exciting new project, or perhaps they’ve been through a tough time. No matter what they say, use it as a springboard to ask more questions. If the conversation doesn’t seem to go anywhere, feel free to move on to another topic.

• Avoid yes-or-no questions and try open-ended ones that encourage the other person to continue the conversation. For example, it’s better to ask, "What did you do today?" rather than, "Did you have a good day today?"

Build on something they've mentioned earlier. A great way to save the conversation is to revisit something the other person brought up. Since you know what they enjoy talking about, ask them to go into more detail. This not only shows you're a good listener but also makes you more attractive in their eyes as you engage with what they're saying.

• Try asking something like: "So what did you end up choosing for dinner? Was it good?"
• Or, "You mentioned you're planning a trip next week. Where are you going?"

Keep the conversation lively while receiving recommendations. If you’re unsure what to say next, try delving into what they’re currently reading, watching, or listening to. If they haven’t mentioned these before, ask them to share a bit with you.

• This is especially great if the person talks about spending time at home watching TV, reading, or listening to podcasts. You could say, "I’ve been wanting to check out podcasts but don’t know where to start. Can you share your first experiences with me?" or "I’m looking for a good show to binge-watch. Got any suggestions?"

Keep the conversation going by asking for their opinion. Most people enjoy sharing their thoughts on various topics. Take advantage of this by asking a question that allows them to express their views. However, avoid heavy topics such as politics and religion, as these debates can quickly become heated, and tone can be easily misinterpreted through text. Choose a lighter topic instead.

• You could say: "I really need your serious opinion on this. Between mooncakes with mung bean filling and mixed filling, which one do you think is better? You can only pick one!"

Guide the conversation by sharing a little bit about yourself. You don’t always have to make the other person talk about themselves, as they might feel like they’re being interrogated. If you think it’s time for a balance, just talk about something interesting you’ve recently done. Hopefully, they’ll pick up on the topic and ask you related questions!

• For example, you could share something cool you learned at school, tell a funny story, or mention that today marks the third consecutive day you’ve seen a rainbow.
• If nothing interesting is happening with you, try talking about something happening around you, like your sister dyeing your dog’s fur purple, or a new neighbor who just moved in.
• You never know what might kick-start the conversation, so don’t be afraid to bring it up.

Boost their confidence with a compliment. Saying something nice about the person you’re chatting with is always a good move. If the conversation is losing steam, try saying something you genuinely appreciate about them. Even a simple compliment can encourage them to open up more.

• For example, you could share something you truly value about them, like: "Whenever I’m feeling down, you always know how to make me feel better. You’re the best friend!" or "I miss your cute smile."
• You could also mention something you like about their belongings, such as: "I’ve been meaning to ask, where did you get that jacket you wore the other day? You look really cool in it!"

Lead them with an unfinished story. Sometimes, a little encouragement is all it takes to bring their enthusiasm back into the conversation. You can try piquing their curiosity by leaving them wondering about what you're about to say. Just make sure the next part of your story is interesting enough to keep them engaged!

• If you have an exciting story to share, try starting with: "Something unbelievable happened at my company today" or "You won't believe who I met today!"
• This could also be a fun way to let them know you're thinking about them. For example, if you're dining at a restaurant they like, you could say: "Guess where I am right now!" (You'll score extra points if you offer to bring them takeout!)

Get to know them better by asking about their childhood. If you're texting someone you don’t know that well but feel comfortable enough with, ask them about their childhood. Early years can reveal a lot about a person, from their family background to what’s important to them now. Just remember that childhood memories can evoke strong emotions, so be mindful not to push further if the topic seems sensitive.

• Try asking gentle questions like: "Who was your favorite Disney princess when you were a kid?" or "Which childhood Lunar New Year do you remember most vividly?"

Share a funny story or a joke that only the two of you understand. Bring a smile to their face by reminiscing about a joyful memory the two of you once shared. It could be a forgotten funny moment between you and an old friend, or a silly comment from a waiter during a weekend outing. Just make sure it's something that both of you find amusing, as the other person may get annoyed if you keep bringing up something that makes them feel embarrassed.

• If you can't think of anything, you can always send them a funny meme!

Feel free to say anything that pops into your head. Don't worry if it sounds silly or doesn't make sense, just say it confidently. Letting go of inhibitions might lead to something truly interesting. Plus, you'll get to see if the other person resonates with your quirky personality.

• For example, you could say, "I wonder why purple isn't one of the natural hair colors people have" or "Have you ever noticed that our math classroom always smells like mustard?"

Change the vibe by giving them a call. If you feel like texting isn't going the way you'd like, ask if they'd be up for a phone call or video chat instead. This allows you to express and perceive emotions more vividly, making it an excellent option if you want to discuss something deeper than what text messages can convey.

• If they mention they're too busy to talk, you'll understand why the conversation has suddenly slowed down!

Wait a moment before texting them. Sometimes, a conversation can stall because the other person is busy or simply doesn't feel like texting. They could also be preoccupied with their thoughts. Rather than filling every silence, give them a little space to decide whether they want to continue the conversation or take a pause.

• You don't have to completely ignore them or turn it into a waiting game. Just find something to do for a while and see if they still want to text.

End the conversation when it's time. If the other person starts giving short replies or there's a long pause, they may need a break. Rather than leaving things hanging, wrap it up clearly with a friendly goodbye like "Talk to you later!" This way, both of you won't feel awkward picking up the conversation days later.

• If your text conversations generally don't go anywhere, it could be that you two aren't quite "vibing." This is completely normal, as not everyone will connect with you. Focus your energy on those who enjoy chatting with you!

• Prepare in advance by jotting down a few conversation topics. That way, if the discussion starts to stall, you'll have other subjects ready to go.