What to text back when a girl says “hey”
When a girl texts “hey” first, she wanted to start the chat and is handing you the lead. Say hey back with some energy and add a hook: a detail from her profile, the moment or a light question. For example: “Hey! Glad you wrote. Okay, Lisbon: what’s the one thing I have to eat there?”
Try it on your chatShe: hey
Get replies for your exact chat
A made-up example is prefilled. Replace it with your own conversation.
5 replies to consider
- Chill
Her profile
Brolivo pickHey! Glad you wrote. Okay, Lisbon: what’s the one thing I have to eat there?
Why it works: Energy plus a question about her trip gives her a story to tell instead of small talk.
- Playful
Self-irony
Hey, perfect timing. I just lost my third basil plant this year. Any advice from a plant expert? 🌱
Why it works: A joke at your own expense plus a question about her hobby makes answering easy and fun.
- Playful
This or that
Hey you! Quick icebreaker, no wrong answers: window seat or aisle?
Why it works: A two-option question takes two seconds to answer and tells you a little about her.
- Chill
Your moment
Hey! You caught me losing a fight with flat-pack furniture. Tell me your evening is going better?
Why it works: A funny snapshot of your moment gives her a picture to react to, not a blank question.
- Bold
Show interest
Hey! You beat me to it, I was about to message you. Tell me one thing that’s not on your profile?
Why it works: Admitting you were about to write shows interest, and an open question invites her story.
Don’t send this
hey how are you
You mirror her “hey” and add the most generic question, so you’re both still at zero.
What a “hey” from her means
When she messages first, even with just “hey”, she wanted to talk to you. It’s short because first messages are awkward for everyone, not because she’s bored. She has made the first move and is handing you the lead.
- On a dating app: she liked your profile and hopes you’ll pick a topic.
- From someone you met in person: she wants to keep the conversation going.
- After a long pause: she’s reconnecting. Don’t mention the gap, just reply warmly.
Your move
After your first reply
When she answers your question, react to her answer before you jump to a new topic. Share a bit about yourself too, so it feels like a conversation and not an interview.
If the chat flows for a few days, suggest meeting for coffee or a walk. If she keeps replying with one word, don’t chase: ask one fun question and see if she picks it up.
Questions
Is it a good sign when a girl texts hey first?
Yes. Writing first means she wanted to talk to you, and that’s a good start. “Hey” is simply the easiest way to begin, so reply with some energy and a real question.
What do you say after “hey”?
Say hey back with some energy and ask one specific, easy question: about her profile, her day or something you both know. It beats a plain “how are you” because it gives her something to answer.
Should I just reply “hey” back?
No. A plain “hey” back leaves you both at zero. Add one hook: a question about her profile, a quick joke or what you’re doing right now. One extra line is all it takes.
What if she only replies with one word after that?
Then she may be busy or simply a short texter. Ask one fun, specific question. If the answers stay one-word for days, stop investing and give her room to come back on her own.
Similar situations
She asked “how are you?”
She: heyy how are you?
Brolivo pick Pretty good! Finally fixed my bike after two weeks of excuses. How did the big deadline go?
She texted “wyd”
She: wyd
Brolivo pick Making pasta and pretending I know what al dente means 🍝 You?
First message to a new match
Emma, 25 · Hiking, bad puns, Sunday pancakes
Brolivo pick Important question before we go any further: does the corgi get pancakes too? 🐶
She texted “haha ok”
She: haha ok
Brolivo pick Noted. Next time I’ll bring slides and a pie chart 📊
She replied “ok.” with a period
She: ok.
Brolivo pick Sorry about the switch, I was looking forward to Saturday. Does Sunday at 2 still work?
First text after getting her number
Emma · Argued that a hot dog is a sandwich and won the room
Brolivo pick Hey, it’s Max from Sam’s birthday. Fine, you win: a hot dog is a sandwich.
Updated by the Brolivo team. The chats are made-up examples.
Add a screenshot or message. Brolivo gives you a reply with spark. Make it bolder or copy it and make your move. About Brolivo