9 Questions To Ask Your OkCupid Match To Get You Bonding Offline ASAP

Let's be real — everyone loves to talk about their pets. If your match mentioned their pug named Fluffy or they have nine pictures with their polydactyl cat Theo, asking about their pet is a certified slam-dunk.

If you're a big podcast fan (or if you just got into podcasts in 2019, like me), you're in good company on OkCupid. According to an OkCupid rep, 72% of people on OkCupid said they listen to podcasts. So, whether or not they mention it in their profile, chances are your match has been known to pod (that's definitely not a thing people say, but whatever). If your match lists some of their favorite podcasts and you both like the same ones, ask if they have any new recommendations. They might ask you the same, and the conversation will flow.

If you love to camp and your match has a picture of them on a fantastic hike, or you both mention road trips in your profiles, ask them about the next place they want to go to or their latest vacation. If you've both been to the same spot or you think they'd really enjoy somewhere you just visited, inquire about a restaurant or store you found or suggest a new place for them to check out. While, "Where is the one place you'd love to go?" is a good start, being as specific as possible will make you stand out from the crowd.

It's no secret that true crime is taking over the globe faster than chunky sneakers and tiny sunglasses. In fact, according to OkCupid, 80% of people on the app report enjoying all sorts of true crime media, from shows to books and — you guessed it — podcasts. If you're in the market for a new show to marathon, try asking your match the last show they couldn't stop watching.

My favorite thing about OkCupid (other than the fact that it lists personal pronouns) is that the app doesn't just ask you a ton of awesome questions — it also asks how much you value each of your match's answers. If zodiac compatibility is a big deal to you and your match, asking anything about astrology is a great way to start a conversation. If your match has the sign in their profile, making a joke or asking a comment specific to their chart can be super engaging. If they don't have their sign listed, but you want to know their entire chart before meeting IRL (me), asking about their placements can be flirty and fun.

I swear to goodness when someone asks me what book I'm reading right now, I literally melt. Whether your match listed their favorite books or they note that they like to read, ask them about their favorite author or used bookstore in the area.

While I don't suggest hitting a new match with a message like, "Tell me about your relationship with your mother in your teen years," if they have a picture with their parents or talk about their siblings in their bio, you might consider asking about their family. According to the rep, 84% of women using the app report being close to their family. Of course, "family" means something different to everyone. If your friends are your life or you're super close with your coworkers, sharing stories about the people you love (whoever they may be!) is a great way to connect.

Based on all its creative questions, OkCupid gives you your perspective compatibility with your match. If you and your match are totally in sync, you may have a totally slick way to ask them out. Of course, if your compatibility is a little wonky, but they seem really cute, hitting them with a, "Seems like we should prove this thing wrong, huh?" can be sexy, too.

TBH, "We can agree to disagree," was my least favorite thing to hear as a punky (read: bratty) child. However, making a cute joke about your differences with someone is a super sweet way to send the first message. If you love scary movies but your match answered that they hate them, or you can't imagine traveling internationally by yourself but your match is a solo globetrotter, ask them about a question you gave different answers to.

While you never need to do anything that makes you completely uncomfortable, taking a healthy risk, like messaging someone first on OkCupid, can be super rewarding. From asking about their favorite podcast to inquiring about the best places to camp, there is no shortage of engaging opening lines. When in doubt, try asking a question that requires more than a "yes" or "no" answer. While there's no one way to land a first date, the best questions to ask on OkCupid may ask for more than "OK" as an answer.