How to Respond to “hey” (Without a Boring Reply)
A plain “hey” is a low-effort opener that hands you the work. The best response is warm but adds something to talk about, so the conversation has somewhere to go. Match his effort first, then lift it slightly with a question or a hook, rather than replying “hey” back or writing a paragraph.
Why “hey” is hard to answer
“hey” gives you nothing to work with. There is no question, no topic, no energy, just a door left ajar. Reply “hey” back and the conversation usually stalls. The goal is to answer in a way that creates momentum without you carrying the entire thread.
The formula: warm plus a hook
Acknowledge, then add a small spark, something he can respond to. You are not doing all the work, you are giving the conversation a direction it did not have.
Examples that keep it going
- “Hey you. Surviving Monday over here, how is yours going?”
- “Hey. Perfect timing, I was just debating tacos or sushi for dinner. Settle it.”
- “Heyy, good week? I have stories.”
- If you are keen and want momentum: “Hey, we keep saying we’ll hang out, let’s actually pick a day.”
When not to bother
If “hey” arrives after he ghosted, or it is the third lonely “hey” with no real conversation in between, you are allowed to leave it. A pattern of low-effort openers that never become anything is information. You do not owe a spark to someone who only ever offers crumbs.