60 Flirty Texts to Send Your Crush or Your Partner

Flirting by text is mostly about tone: light, a little bold, and easy to reply to. The aim is to make someone smile at their phone, not to write poetry.

Here are 60 messages for three situations, and five rules that stop it going wrong.

Five rules first

1. Keep it short. One line is flirting. A paragraph is a letter.
2. Make it easy to answer. End with a question or a tease.
3. Match their energy. If they reply with one word, slow down.
4. Be specific. “That blue shirt yesterday” beats “you're hot”.
5. Never send anything you wouldn't want screenshotted.

For a crush

1. I just saw something that reminded me of you. It was funny and slightly annoying.
2. So are you always this charming, or was yesterday a special effort?
3. I've got a question, and it's important. Coffee or tea?
4. You crossed my mind. Thought you should know.
5. I'm bored. Entertain me.
6. What are you up to this weekend, apart from seeing me?
7. I had a dream you were in. You owe me an explanation.
8. You're distracting, did you know that?
9. I need a second opinion. And an excuse to text you.
10. Tell me something about you that would surprise me.
11. That photo you posted. Unfair.
12. I was going to play it cool and wait three days. I lasted three hours.
13. What's your idea of a perfect Saturday? Asking for a reason.
14. You have a great laugh. I'd like to hear it again soon.
15. I think we should hang out. I'm rarely wrong about these things.
16. You're trouble. I can tell.
17. I owe you a drink for making me laugh that much.
18. Be honest. How long did it take you to think of that reply?
19. I like talking to you. That's the whole message.
20. So when am I seeing you?

For a new relationship

21. I can't stop smiling and it's getting embarrassing at work.
22. Still thinking about that kiss.
23. I miss you already. Is that allowed this early?
24. You looked really good last night. Just saying.
25. What are you doing later? The correct answer is “seeing you”.
26. I like you a ridiculous amount.
27. I keep starting messages to you and deleting them. This one made it.
28. My friends are tired of hearing about you.
29. Come over. I'll cook. It might even be edible.
30. I've decided you're my favourite.
31. I want to know everything about you. Start anywhere.
32. You make ordinary days better.
33. I'm wearing the jumper you like. On purpose.
34. Guess who I'm thinking about. One guess.
35. You, me, no plans, all Sunday.
36. I didn't expect you. I'm glad you happened.
37. Stop being so cute. I have things to do.
38. I'd like to take you out properly this week.
39. Your hugs are a problem. I want one constantly.
40. I slept badly. Your side of the bed was missing.

For a long-term partner

41. I still fancy you. Thought you should have that in writing.
42. You looked good leaving the house this morning.
43. Kids are at your mum's on Friday. Just a fact I'm sharing.
44. I was thinking about our first date. You were so nervous. So was I.
45. Come home early. I have plans for you.
46. You're still the best-looking person in every room.
47. I'd marry you again tomorrow.
48. Tonight: phones away, door shut.
49. Remember that hotel? I do.
50. You, in that shirt. Please and thank you.
51. I love our boring life. Especially you in it.
52. You've still got it, by the way.
53. I'm picking up dinner. And then I'm picking up you.
54. How did I get this lucky? Seriously.
55. I have a crush on my own husband. It's embarrassing.
56. Hurry home. I miss your face.
57. Let's go to bed early. Not to sleep.
58. You're my favourite person to do nothing with.
59. After all these years you still give me butterflies. Occasionally. Don't get smug.
60. Date night. I'm planning it. Don't ask questions.

What if they don't flirt back?

One short reply means nothing. People are busy. A pattern of short replies means ease off, and with a crush, that is your answer. With a long-term partner, it more often means they are tired or stressed than uninterested. Ask how their day is before you try again.

Keep the conversation going

Flirting opens the door. Good questions keep you talking. Try 18 texting games for couples, or let an app do the asking: BloomingPairs, free on iPhone and Android →

Frequently asked questions

How do you start flirting over text?

With something light and specific: a tease about something they said, or a question that is easy to answer.

How often should you send flirty texts?

Less often than you would like. One good message a day beats ten average ones.

Do flirty texts work in a long relationship?

Yes, and arguably matter more there. A flirty text in the middle of an ordinary day tells your partner you still see them that way.