Ever stared at your phone wondering how to reply to a text message from a guy? Especially when his texts are…well, a little dry? It’s frustrating and confusing when you aren’t sure how to respond to a potential partner.
This article will give you strategies for responding to different texting behaviors, and maybe even help you decode what he’s really trying to say.
What is “dry texting?”
Dry texting is when someone replies to your texts with short, unenthusiastic answers that lack depth or engagement. Think: “Okay,” “Yeah,” “Cool,” or just one-word responses. Sometimes, it also shows up as a delayed response or no response at all.
Dry texting can definitely feel like disinterest, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a guy is genuinely busy or not much of a texter in general. He might feel awkward or unsure how to respond. Or, yeah, he might be losing interest.
How to keep the conversation going
Sometimes, a guy’s texts might start feeling a little…blah. Here’s how to inject some life back into the conversation:
Ask engaging questions
Ditch the “yes” or “no” questions. Instead of “Did you have a good day?” try something like “What was the best part of your day?” Open-ended questions invite him to share more and keeps things interesting.
Bring up something you know he loves
Does he geek out about a certain band, sport, or video game? Mention something related to it! This shows you pay attention and care about what he’s into, which creates a connection.
Add some playful humor
A lighthearted joke or a funny meme can do wonders. It lightens the mood and shows you don’t take things too seriously.
Reminisce about good times
Remember that hilarious thing that happened on your first date? If things are moving quickly and he asked you to be his girlfriend after 3 dates, it could be a good sign! Or that time you both got completely lost on that hike? Bringing up those positive memories can reignite good feelings and remind him of your connection.
Keeping the conversation flowing
Sometimes, you want to keep the conversation going… and maybe even turn up the heat a little.
The photo gambit
Texting doesn’t have to be all words. Send a photo that relates to the conversation. It could be a funny thing you saw, a beautiful view, or something that reminds you of a shared interest.
The flirty text
Feeling bold? Send a flirty text to see how he responds and potentially showcase yourself as a high value man through texting. Keep it playful and avoid being too forward. Something like, “I can’t stop thinking about [something you did together]” can work wonders.
Knowing When to Disengage
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still getting short, unenthusiastic answers, it might be time to move on. Don’t waste your time and energy on someone who isn’t putting in an equal effort.
It’s perfectly fine to focus on people who make you feel good and who are excited to talk to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to respond to “How are you?” texting from a guy
Okay, so “How are you?” is the ultimate conversation starter, right? It’s a chance to be a bit more engaging than just a simple “Good.” You could say “I’m doing well, thanks for asking! How about you?” That’s polite and flips the question back to him. Or, if you want to be a bit more playful, you could respond with something like “Surviving Monday! What’s keeping you busy?” It gives him a little glimpse into your day and opens the door for him to share something about his. If you’re feeling bold, you could even try “I’m fantastic now that you’ve texted 😉 How’s your day going?” Just gauge the vibe of your previous conversations before dropping that one! The key is to keep the conversation flowing and show that you’re interested in hearing from him, too. Don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your response!
How to reply to “Hey” text from a guy
“Hey” is, let’s face it, the bare minimum. If you’re constantly receiving these, you might wonder why you keep getting ‘Hey’ text messages. It’s like he’s testing the waters to see if you’ll respond. Don’t let him off the hook too easily! A simple “Hey!” back might work, but it doesn’t really encourage further conversation. Instead, try responding with “Hey! What’s up?” It shows you’re acknowledging him, but also prompting him to actually say something. You could also try “Hey! Anything exciting happening today?” or even “Hey! 👋” with an emoji. The goal is to encourage him to put in a little more effort. If he continues to just send “Hey,” it might be a sign he’s not really that invested in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to leave him on read if he’s not bringing anything to the table!
The Bottom Line
Texting is a two-way street! Clear communication and mutual effort are key. If you’re dealing with dry texts, try some of the strategies we’ve covered, but know when to walk away. You deserve relationships where communication is open, engaging, and makes you feel good.