Ever felt like starting a conversation is as daunting as walking into a party wearing the wrong outfit? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a text to someone you’ve matched with or introducing yourself at a gathering, initiating a chat can bring up all sorts of anxiety. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be genuine.

Every connection starts with a small leap of faith — talking to a stranger. Of course, not all strangers will become your friends, and sometimes you might even hope for that stranger to become more-than-a-friend.