When you reach out to someone you really like, you want them to respond, right? Then learning how to get your crush to text you back is crucial.

Not everyone will just reply to a simple, “Hey.” It’s not interesting, it’s not engaging and worst of all, it’s not memorable. You want your crush to see you as being set apart from the crowd, right? Then you want to figure out how to get your crush to text you back.

And that means luring them into it. Some people are too busy and may not think your texts are of importance. You need to make them see that you are so you can start a real conversation.

That first conversation and the few following are the most important

This really sets the basis of your to-be relationship. The better you connect during those first few conversations, the better chance you have of locking them down and becoming a real couple.

That’s why you can’t just wing it – especially if you’re the nervous type. You’re bound to mess up a time or two but if you plan for a way to talk, you can avoid deal-breaking screw-ups. And knowing how to get them to actually engage in those conversations is most important. [Read: 40 first date questions to have a great conversation]

How to get your crush to text you back and start a loving romance

If you really want your crush to text you back, you need something they won’t be able to resist. That means you need something clever. Here are some messages to send their way that’ll make them want to reply right away.

#1 “Did I just see you at __________?” This can be completely made up – and that’s what makes it so clever. You can be out and about and just text them as if you saw them there. You know the answer will be “no” but you’ll get a reply either way.

And that’s just because they won’t want to seem like they’re ignoring you if you really think it was them. So go ahead and send this one, but don’t do it more than once.

#2 “I have to know. What’s your favorite place to eat around here?” This seems like a pretty general question, but the fact that you’re saying you “have” to know makes it seem more urgent. And it makes them want to comply since you feel it’s so important. You can also use this information later when you finally get to go on a date.

#3 “Why haven’t you texted me yet today?” This one is very bold and should only be done if you have some back and forth going already. AKA, you flirt a bit already and are relatively comfortable.

If you do this when things are still super new, it’ll basically ruin everything. It’ll seem pushy and even clingy. So only do this once you’re comfortable with each other and can tease one another. Then this one is perfect and they’ll feel guilty and also happy that you wanted them to talk to you. [Read: How to text flirt with a friend]

#4 “Remember when we talked about _____? I have a new take on it!” This is perfect if you had a great discussion a day or so prior and want to pick back up with it. Now, you actually have to have a new take on the subject or this will be too obvious of an excuse to talk to them. If you do it right, they’ll reply right away with this one.

#5 “Wow. You were right. That Netflix series is amazing. But there’s just ONE problem with it.” People are defensive by nature. We all want to confirm that our opinions and thoughts are true. That being said, saying this will definitely pique their interest and make them want to know how you could disagree with them.

#6 “Hey! Did you write down that assignment? I totally blanked during it.” Obviously, this one only works if you’re in school together. They don’t just want to leave you hanging so they’ll reply right away. Just don’t make a habit out of it or it’ll be annoying and they’ll start to think you only want to talk to them for school stuff. [Read: How to text a girl for the first time and leave a good impression]

#7 “I was just telling my friend about the _____ you told me about and just can’t remember the name.” This could be a band or a unique food or really anything. It just has to be something you’d actually forget. It can be a little tricky to come up with but if you think back to all the things you’ve talked about, you’re bound to come up with something.

This works because it’s simple. They want to give you information you’ve already received before. Plus they’re probably a little curious and excited as to why you’re talking to your friend about them.

#8 “I just saw that movie and couldn’t stop thinking about you during it!” This isn’t just cute, it’s also confirming you’re watching something they told you to. So not only are you connecting with them, you’re also telling them that it reminded you of them. They’ll want to know which aspects and basically, they’ll want details.

#9 “I had an interesting dream about you last night.” This can get a little weird if you’ve only just started talking. But if you’ve been into each other for a while, this is perfect. People are curious by nature and since dreams can be of pretty much anything, they’ll be interested to know what yours was about. [Read: How to talk to your crush and make them fall for you]

#10 “Good morning! Hope you had a great night and have an even better day!” It’s really simple, but it’s so sweet that it would be rude and mean to not reply. And that’s the point. They’ll text you back right away and you can discuss their plans for the day and then some.

#11 “I’ve got a bone to pick with you!” Not only is this really funny, it’s pretty playful too. They’ll never know what you have to argue about and because humans are curious creatures, they’ll want to know right away. It can even be something tiny and insignificant.

#12 “I can’t think of a single thing to watch on Netflix. Any suggestions?” People always want to suggest their favorite shows and movies. And if this person likes you even a little bit, they’ll be throwing suggestions at you right away. It’s all about getting them to give you names because then you have other material to talk about, too.

Knowing how to get your crush to text you back is essential for keeping your connection open and even deepening it. These clever texts will intrigue them and make it nearly impossible to resist replying.