Sliding into DMs for the New Semester
Words by Clark Adomaitis
Illustration by Katie Herchenroeder
Do you ever try to reconnect with friends, acquaintances, orlovers in the spring semester after the long, desolate month of January, butthe conversations seem a bit awkward? If you have not hit each other up or sentmemes in over a month, this is probable. Do not be discouraged; perhaps theystill look back fondly on your memories from last semester too.
You should hit them up! Additionally, in the dead of thebleak winter, even the simplest of texts can uplift and revitalize spiritssignificantly. Letting your friends know you are thinking about them is one ofthe easiest and kindest acts that you can do right now. I know that afterJanuary, I am cold, lonely, and I have lost connections with all humans. How doI overcome this and reconnect with the meaningful people? Here are some testedand acclaimed ideas of how to slide into the DMs of whoever comes to mind.
“Hey, whatclasses are you taking?”
This classic, despite being cliché and overused, can stillestablish common ground between you and a past classmate. Perhaps you are thesame major and will discover that they had that teacher, took that classbefore, or have a friend in that class. They may even have an old textbook theycould lend you. However, this question may bore the receiver, for the questionof classes can be a nagging one that their mother or father have been repeatedlyasking for months - and now you seem like their mother or father.
“Have youever eaten at Uncle Tony’s?”
This friendly question not only puts the idea of deliciouspizza in one’s head but also sparks the idea of a possible hangout. This can befollowed up with “Which slice is the best or worst there?”
Hey, do youlike to play in the snow?
This one works best if it has recently snowed. Sending amessage like this can enlighten you to an activity that you both enjoy - anddoes not require spending money.
“Oops Ispilled soup all over my nice clean shirt ooooops”
This remark, while it seems confusing, can simply tell yourfriend what is currently going in your life. Perhaps they can relate to yourincident with another soup-spilling story or by offering advice on how tohandle the messy shirt. They can even offer advice on how to mentally cope withthe fact that your shirt is now ruined.
“Hey, how doyou know if you’re a pirate? You just Rrrrr.”
This seemingly stupid pun implies cleverness because you arehitting them up with the intention of keeping it playful and not starting aserious or boring conversation. It may even instigate a silent chortle or an“lol.”
“Hey, haveyou heard Vince Staples’ latest album?”
Vince Staples new album, “FM!” is an upbeat and fun listenfull of party bangers. This contact also opens the opportunity for a grouplisten, or simply a discussion on good music. You will find out if they heard agreat album. Bringing up a music conversation is easy, friendly banter becausemany people enjoy listening to music.
Similar ideas: “SickoMode or Mo Bamba?” or “Mo Bamba or La Bamba?”
“🐽”(pig nose emoji)
The pig nose emoji shows immediate love, respect, andunderstanding. This singular emoji is the most genuine and instinctual sign ofrespect and honor that you can send in text format. Introduced to the Applekeyboard in 2015, humans have been able to communicate one of the fiveessential senses to their friends. You are not only playful, but you loveliving life and you enjoy smelling smells. This also secretly implies goodhygiene, because if you smell often, it is likely that your smells will bepositive ones.
