What to Say to a Girl You Like can feel confusing, especially when you want to make a good impression without sounding awkward or forced. Whether you’re texting, meeting in person, or trying to build a deeper connection, the right words can make all the difference.
From compliments and casual conversations to genuine expressions of interest, knowing what to say helps you feel more confident and sincere.
In this guide, we’ll share simple, effective, and respectful things to say to a girl you like—so you can express yourself honestly while making her feel valued and comfortable.
Start with a Genuine Compliment
Kicking off a conversation with a sincere compliment is a great way to make her feel special. Focus on something unique about her, like her style or smile, rather than generic praise. This shows you’re paying attention.
Scenario: You see her at a coffee shop wearing a cool jacket.
What to say: “I love your jacket—it’s so unique! Where did you get it?”
This opens the door for her to share a story, keeping the chat going.
What not to say: “You’re hot.” This can feel shallow and make her uncomfortable.
A good compliment is specific and invites her to respond. Try noticing small details, like her laugh or how she lights up when talking about her hobbies. Keep it light and friendly to ease any nerves.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” are perfect for keeping a conversation alive. They show you’re interested in her thoughts and give her a chance to share more about herself.
Scenario: You’re at a school event, and you want to get to know her better.
What to say: “What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on? I’d love to hear about it!”
This invites her to share a fun story, which can lead to a deeper chat.
What not to say: “Do you like to travel?” This might lead to a short answer, stalling the talk.
Open-ended questions make her feel valued and keep the conversation flowing. Try asking about her favorite book, movie, or dream job to spark her enthusiasm.
Show Your Sense of Humor
A little humor can make her feel at ease and show your fun side. Sharing a light, playful comment or a funny observation can break the ice and make her smile.
Scenario: You’re in class, and the teacher makes a quirky joke.
What to say: “Did you catch that? I think our teacher’s secretly a comedian!”
This creates a shared moment and invites her to laugh with you.
What not to say: “Why don’t you ever smile?” This can feel critical and push her away.
Keep your humor kind and avoid teasing her in a way that might hurt her feelings. A gentle, shared laugh can build a connection and make her feel comfortable around you.
Be Honest About Your Feelings
When you’re ready to express your interest, being honest and straightforward is the way to go. You don’t need fancy words—just sincerity. This builds trust and shows you’re serious about her.
Scenario: You’ve been talking for a while and want to share your feelings.
What to say: “I really enjoy talking with you. You’re so kind and fun to be around. I’d love to get to know you more.”
This is clear, sweet, and opens the door for her to respond.
What not to say: “I’m obsessed with you.” This can feel intense and overwhelming.
Being open about your feelings takes courage, but it’s worth it. Keep it simple and give her space to share how she feels, too.
Listen and Respond Thoughtfully
Listening is just as important as talking. When she shares something, show you’re paying attention by responding to what she says. This makes her feel heard and valued.
Scenario: She’s telling you about her favorite hobby, painting.
What to say: “That’s so cool! What kind of paintings do you make? Do you have a favorite piece?”
This shows you’re interested and keeps the conversation going.
What not to say: “Oh, I don’t get art.” This shuts down the chat and might make her feel judged.
Nod, smile, and ask follow-up questions to show you care. Reflecting on what she says, like “That sounds so fun!” makes her feel connected to you.
Respect Her Boundaries
Every girl is different, and it’s important to pay attention to her comfort level. If she seems shy or hesitant, give her space and don’t push her to open up. Respecting her boundaries builds trust.
Scenario: You ask her to hang out, but she says she’s busy.
What to say: “No worries at all! Let me know whenever you’re free to chat or hang out.”
This shows you’re understanding and not pressuring her.
What not to say: “Why are you always so busy?” This can feel demanding and make her pull back.
Watch for cues like her body language or tone. If she’s smiling and engaged, keep going. If she seems quiet, slow down and give her room to feel comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Talking to a girl you like doesn’t have to be scary. By using these tips on what to say to a girl you like, you can start conversations that feel natural and build a real connection.
From genuine compliments to thoughtful listening, small steps can lead to big moments. Be yourself, stay kind, and don’t be afraid to show your interest.
With practice, you’ll feel more confident, and she’ll appreciate your effort. So, take a deep breath, smile, and start with a simple “hi”—you’ve got this!
