Why "Hi" isn't enough
A one-word opener gives the other person nothing to reply to.
A message that shows you've actually looked at their profile stands out straight away, and it's much easier to answer.
Start with what they love
Country people's profiles are usually full of things to ask about.
Look through their photos and what they've written, pick one thing and ask about it with an open question.
- Instead of "Nice horse", try "Your horse looks lovely. How long have you been riding together?"
- Instead of "You like walking?", try "That view's amazing. Where was it, and what's your favourite walk round you?"
- Instead of "Cute dog", try "What's your dog called, and are they as muddy as mine after a walk?"
Questions that work for almost anyone
- What's your perfect day out in the countryside?
- Are you a country person born and bred, or did you move out of town?
- What's the best pub you've found after a long walk?
- What's something you're looking forward to this year?
- What are you hoping to find on here? It's a great question for knowing where you stand early on.
Keep it going
- Share as well as ask. Answer your own question too, so it feels like a chat rather than an interview.
- Reply when you can. Members who reliably reply earn the Anti-Ghosting badge. Read what the badges mean.
- Suggest meeting when it feels right. Our country first date ideas can help.
And if a conversation isn't going anywhere, it's fine to wrap it up kindly with a short, honest message. The one-click replies make it quick and easy.