On , I'd try to start conversations based on something specific from the other person's profile. If they mention a hobby I know nothing about, I might ask how they became interested in it. If they mention a place they've visited, I could ask what they liked about it. This gives the conversation a natural direction without forcing it. I wouldn't worry too much about writing the perfect opening line. The goal is simply to show genuine interest and give the other person something easy to respond to. If they answer with a story, I can react to that story rather than immediately asking another unrelated question. That's what makes online communication feel more like a real conversation and less like exchanging prepared dating messages.