Play all audios:
A. I assume your online connection is _not_ through a dating app – that you found this person through Instagram or something like it. With that in mind, I see two ways to do this. One is to
send a message about one of their posts, to see if they’ll engage in conversation. As in, “I’ve always wanted to try that restaurant. Any dish you loved?” Or “That electric bike is so cool!
I’m in the market for one … where did you get it?” I’m inventing scenarios and images here, obviously, but when you enjoy something they’ve posted, you can reach out and ask a question
about it. If it turns into a conversation, you can move to the next step. The second option, which is much bolder, is to ask them to get coffee. That might be too bold for you (and me … and
them …), but if they’re looking to date, they might enjoy being asked out. You could start by saying who you know in common. As in, “We both know Beth, and I love everything you post. Want
to grab coffee? No pressure, but I’ve been trying to meet cool people in real life, as opposed to just nodding and smiling at their social media.” (You can come up with words that better
match your personality.) Again, that idea might be too much for you. If so, see Option 1. Before you do anything, make sure your own profile is what you want this person to see. I’m sure
their first move will be to figure out who you are and what you’re all about. Also, take a beat to consider whether these mutual friends could be helpful. Sometimes I get texts from people
I haven’t seen in five years that say, “Hey, I just matched with a guy online, and the internet says you know him. What can you tell me?” I’m always happy to help. Maybe these mutual
acquaintances _can_ guide you. – Meredith