If you’re into someone, start a conversation.Texting is a great way to start, but there are some things you need to know about how to text your crush.

Texting is usually the easiest way to start a conversation with someone. For many people with social anxiety, texting is a huge relief. But here’s the thing, texting is somewhat of an art form. Though it seems easier, it can be tricky since you try to get to know them without seeing their facial expressions. But that doesn’t mean you cannot succeed if you know how to text your crush.

You just need to be more aware of what you say and how you say it. So, learn these tricks of the trade to get you the master texter. [Read: A step-by-step guide to texting your crush the right way]

How to text your crush and win them over

Now, at the end of the day, there are no strict rules that you must follow, since you’re the one in the conversation and not me. However, use these tips and tricks as a guideline if you’re not sure how to text your crush.

They help you put yourself on the right path to success with your crush. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get yourself a first date out of it. So, before you freak out, just follow these tips to help you find the happy texting balance.

#1 Send one text. If you send the very first text, just send one. Whether you just want to talk or ask them out, start out with one text. Don’t make it an essay long, just a simple and sweet text which lets them know that you’re thinking of them. Now, if there is no reply from them after a day or two, you can send them one more.  After that? That’s it, no more texts. [Read: How to get your crush to text back with 12 clever messages]

#2 Go meme easy. Listen, I think you can send memes to your crush, just don’t swarm them with every meme you find hilarious. Social media is a great tool to use if you want to communicate with someone. You don’t want to come across as annoying. If you’re always sending memes then you’re annoying. Only send them the gems.

#3 If they aren’t texting you, don’t ask them. There is nothing more desperate than asking someone why they’re not replying. There’s a reason why: they’re just not that into you. I know you want them to reply to you. I know the feeling, but not everyone is going to like you. Of course, it’s rude of them not to reply, even to tell you they’re not into you. But if they were into you, they’d reply. It’s that simple. [Read: 20 flirty ways to text your crush and get them interested]

#4 Ask them questions. Now, don’t go on this interview-type conversation. Try to get a flow going and insert a question every here and there to get to know them. Of course, the best way to get to know them is to actually spend time with them, but you can also do this virtually through texting or FaceTime. So, do ask questions but not to the point where it looks like you dig for information. Slow and steady wins the race.

#5 Leave out talks about the ex. We all have baggage, but that doesn’t mean you have to talk about it right now. You’re trying to get to know your crush, so if that’s the case then leave out exes. Sure, you can talk about past relationships. If they’ve had any, for example. But you’re trying to keep the conversation fresh and about shared interests. [Read: How to make lively conversation over text with your crush]

#6 No midnight texts. It’s just not a good idea, I mean, don’t you have things to do? Not only does it look like you have nothing to do if you’re always texting them, but it also can give off the impression that you’re looking for a booty call.

Simply avoid texting your crush at times of the day where it comes off as a “casual sex” type of text. That is unless you work night shifts or have crazy schedules.

#7 Keep the goal in mind. Your goal isn’t to spend the rest of your life talking to your crush. Your goal is to land a date with them. So, yes, text them, but make sure that you eventually achieve the goal of asking them out on a date. You want to get to know them but you want this to happen face-to-face. [Read: How to not be a boring texter and keep your crush interested]

#8 Use shared interests. If you both like the same TV show or sport, then use that as a way to start a conversation. You can bring up the hockey game coming up next weekend or what just happened in the last episode of the show you both love. You want to make a connection with your crush and using shared interests are a great way to do so.

#9 Three-day rule doesn’t exist. If you get your crush’s number, you don’t have to wait three days to contact them. Contact them the next day or a couple hours after. The three-day rule doesn’t work for anyone really, and if someone did that to me, I wouldn’t go on a date with them. So, if you’re interested, then don’t wait. Go and get it. [Read: 10 unfair dating rules we all live by]

#10 Be direct. If you like this person, be direct when you’re asking them out. In addition, make it clear that you’re into them by flirting with them. Don’t try to beat around the bush and be subtle, as this will land you in an unclear area. So, if you like them, let them know.

#11 No far future talks. Listen, talking about watching a movie next weekend is fine. But if you talk about going to Spain next year, well, you’re going to freak your crush out. Any talks about the future, keep them in the near future. Otherwise, they think you got too serious too fast. [Read: How to make people like you – 35 tips to charm absolutely anyone]

#12 Be yourself. I know this sounds so High School Musical, but seriously, you need to be yourself. If your crush isn’t letting you be yourself then this may not be the person for you. Of course, you give your best first impression but make sure that you stick to who you are.

Now that you know the tips and tricks on how to text your crush, it’s time you used them when you’re texting your crush. Just remember to be yourself!