This is the DM that'll actually get your crush to respond

We all do basically everything on our phones, so why should flirting be any different? But when you're sliding into a cutie's DMs for the first time, you need to know whether to go full-send or play it cool (or, better yet, find that perfect sweet spot in between). Before you start typing (then deleting your draft 12 different times), answer these Q's and master the art of the impossible-to-ignore message.

- BY MAGGIE ZHANG

1. When you spot your crush in the hallway, your first instinct is to...

A. Ask how last night's basketball tryouts went. You know they've been vying for varsity, and you'd love to hear an update.

B. Shoot them a shy smile as you pass by, and cross your fingers they return the gesture.

C. Laugh a little extra loudly at your bestie's story and hope you catch their attention.

D. Look literally anywhere else. Just making eye contact turns your face totally crimson.

2. On socials rn, you:

A. Are mutuals with them on Insta, TikTok, the works. The latest development? Friending each other on Snapchat (eek!).

B. Throw a heart on all their new posts. You're still too nervous to start commenting for everyone to see, though.

C. Do the occasional stalk of their pics from 2023 while being super cautious not to accidentally like one.

D. Haven't quite summoned the courage to hit the follow button. Tbh, you only have their number saved because of the student council group chat.

3. The highest form of e-flirting (and yes, that’s the technical term for it) is...

A. Having custom contact pics for each other.

B. Swapping personally curated Spotify playlists.

C. Snagging a GamePigeon invite.

D. Getting added to their Close Friends Story.

4. You get paired up for an English project (thank you, universe). What's it like working together?

A. It’s *the* dream collab. You're perfectly in sync when it comes to brainstorming topics, and they even offer to meet you at the library after school to help with extra credit.