30 Flirty Things to Text a Guy to Get His Attention & Stay On His Mind 24/7

Piquing the interest of a guy isn’t hard, but maintaining it is. By knowing what to text a guy to get his attention, you’ll keep his focus firmly on you.

Every guy is different. But, overall, grabbing attention and keeping it on you are two totally different things. You might assume that one quick attention-grabbing line will do it, but guys are complex beings. By learning what to text a guy to get his attention, you’ll make the first step towards wowing him in every single way possible.

Of course, getting someone’s attention can be in a good way or a bad way. You want to make sure that you’re grabbing his attention for all the right reasons! That way, he’ll want to know more about you and your text conversations will bat back and forth.

If you get his attention for the wrong reason, he’s not going to text you back and he’ll quickly forget you and move on to the next person. Brutal? Maybe, but hey, so is dating!

So, if you want to make sure that your crush has his eye firmly on you and not on someone else, you need to learn the art of attention-grabbing texting. [Read: What to text a guy to start a conversation with him – 29 ideas to hook him hard]

What to text a guy to get his attention

If you want to grab his attention over text and start a back and forth text conversation that could lead to something more, use these ideas and tips.

1. Memes

Ahh, what a great invention! Memes make everything so casual. You don’t have to admit you were thinking about him or come off too eager. Just send him a meme you thought was hilarious or that related to him. [Read: 25 really fun and cute ways to say ‘hi’ in a text message and make them smile]

2. Something relevant

Something relevant basically means something that he’s going to get straight away. Let’s say that you’re both in the same class at school.

You could text “hey, did you get the last question of the homework?” or “I zoned out during today’s meeting, can you sum it up for me?” He’ll answer you because he knows what to say and the chances of the conversation going on for longer are pretty high.

This gives you a segue into a longer conversation, but won’t make him feel like you’re flirting or actually trying to get his attention. [Read: 38 ways to start a conversation over text and make each text fun to reply to]

3. Hey sexy!

If this is someone you have a romantic history with, this is a way to perk up his ears. But, if you don’t have any history with them and you want to make some present-day romance, this will definitely get his attention!

For sure, it’s a little bold but being timid isn’t going to get you the results you want! What to text a guy to get his attention? Well, this will certainly work in many cases! [Read: How guys text when they like you – 15 things they do differently]

4. I’m going to get food, want to join me?

What guy or girl can say no to food? Seeing as it is last minute, it sort of requires an immediate response. If you know his favorite place, even toss that into the text to really get his attention.

Then, you can move the conversation to an in-person feel and who knows where that may lead?

Again, it’s a bold move but it’s one that will get you what you want. He’ll also be pretty impressed that you had the confidence to just come out and ask him for food. [Read: How to ask a guy to hang out and make him want to even if you’re a shy girl]

5. Have you watched the show finale?

Insert the title of any other show you both watch. Basically, if you watch the same show or cheer on the same sports team, text him about it.

He likely is dying to chat about that blowout or intense death scene or the team’s great score. Having something in common is the first step to getting to know one another even better than you already do. All the best relationships are based upon common ground.

6. I’m still smiling from our last date

Say it has been a few days since your last date, or even if it was last night, and you’re wondering what to text a guy to get his attention and continue the conversation, this is a smooth and honest way to start a conversation with him. A decent guy will appreciate it.

It shows that you’re keen to have another date and it means you’re not afraid to initiate things. He’ll enjoy that because the pressure to always be the one making suggestions is just exhausting! [Read: How to ask for a second date without fumbling or appearing too eager]

7. You looked great in …

… that blue shirt last night, in your last Instagram post, etc. Give him a little compliment to boost his ego. Maybe he wasn’t sure how interested you were and didn’t want to be the first to reach out.

Guys love having their ego stroked a little and he’s sure to smile when he sees your text. This is one of the texts to get his attention because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a compliment or two? [Read: 30 special compliments for guys to make them blush and make their day]

8. I had a dream about you last night

We know this can go down a certain path, but if you’re okay with that, cool. He will almost always respond, “Oh really? What happened?”

As long as you have an answer that can steer the conversation where you want it to go, you’re good. And, this type of text is instantly attention-grabbing because it piques curiosity.

In all honesty, if someone sent you this text you’d reply because you’d be interested in what it was about, right? [Read: How to flirt with a guy over text – Everything you need to know]

9. OMG!

It is simple but effective. Three letters and he will likely be intrigued. Then if you take a few minutes to respond after he says, “what?” you have got his attention.

Tell him about the crazy traffic jam you were in, who you ran into at the bookstore, or the weird thing your dog did. It’s a little sneaky but it’s something that is bound to get a return text at the very least.

Then, it’s up to you to show your return text game and keep his attention on you! *just try not to make a habit of using this technique very often, or he may just ignore it* [Read: How to get a guy’s attention on Instagram without using your body]

10. Bring up something you talked about before

Do not beat a dead horse. If you’re wondering what to text a guy to get his attention, do not stir up your last conversation that died a slow painful death. Instead, bring up something you have had a successful conversation about before, or a memory you both share that’s upbeat and positive.

For example, “Remember how you said your sister wants to get into fashion? I just saw this job opening,” or, “that band we were talking about is in town in two weeks!!!” You may even get a date out of it if you think it through. [Read: 15 ways to tell if someone likes you without asking them]

11. This made me think of you

A meme, a weird appliance you saw at the store, or a hilarious bumper sticker. Being able to send photos via text makes getting a guy’s attention so much easier.

Just make sure that there is at least some vague connection between him and the thing you’re texting him about, or he’ll pass it off as attention-seeking. That’s not getting his attention in a good way at all!

12. A flirty selfie

NOT a nude, but a cute flirty smile and maybe a little cleavage should do the trick. Just remember to keep it tasteful and mysterious.

You can show him your outfit today and ask if he thinks you look cute. Rock a new hairstyle and ask him what he thinks, or just send a selfie saying you’re feeling yourself today and wanted to show him how good you look.

Everyone loves confidence and he’s sure to look at that photo and start seeing you in the light you want to be seen in! [Read: How to text a guy without seeming overly needy and desperate]

13. Ask for his advice

How many times have you been pulled into a text when someone asks for your opinion or advice? It’s a great way to get a chat going and it’s sure to grab his attention because it will make him think.

Ask him what team to bet on. Or maybe ask him which Netflix series to watch next.

14. You missed the wildest night

If you want to get his attention because he hasn’t messaged you in a while, make him feel a little bad about it. We know, it isn’t the most mature move, but it works.

If you want to get a guy’s attention over text, tell him how he missed the coolest show the other night at a club near you. Or tell him about something super fun you did over the weekend and add in something like, “too bad you missed it.”

Hopefully, he’ll promise to make it next time and you can hold him to it. [Read: 20 sure reasons a guy could be ignoring you]

15. Want to take me out this weekend?

This is another bold move but again, subtle won’t get you anywhere in this world! If you want to go out with this guy, why wait for him to ask you?

Just come right out with it and ask. Of course, doing it by text is less terrifying than in person, so go for it! [Read: How to ask a guy out over text – 15 clever moves to get the answer you want]

16. I thought about you a lot today

This is a little like the “I had a dream about you” text, but it’s certainly a little more intense. There is a small risk that he’ll think it’s odd and not reply. But if that’s the case, he’s not where you want him to be on the interest register anyway.

So, if he replies it’s probably going to be because he wants to know more. Just make sure you have a good answer!

17. Netflix and chill?

Now, before you send this, know that his version of ‘Netflix and chill’ and your version may be two very different things. You may simply mean that you want to chill out with him and binge-watch a show.

But, he might think that it means something a little more intimate, which most people tend to think.

So, if you’re up for that, go for it. If not, maybe reword it a little! But, in terms of what to text a guy to get his attention, this will certainly do it. [Read: How to cuddle with a guy and snuggle up or turn him on]

18. You will never guess what happened to me today

Oh come on, everyone is going to reply to that kind of text and ask what happened. We’re all curious creatures, whether we want to admit it or not!

So, when he replies and wants to know what happened, you better have a good story to hand to keep his attention on you.

19. I’m making my weekend plans, want to be in them?

For sure, this is a flirty text but it’ll grab his attention. He’ll want to know what you might have planned and the chances of him saying “no” are low if you’ve hung out a few times before.

So, what do you have planned? It’s time to start thinking! [Read: The 50 best free date ideas when you want romance on a budget]

20. Nothing

If none of these things get his attention and he hasn’t texted you, just let it be. We’re sorry to have to say this, but if he hasn’t texted you in a reasonable amount of time, he may just not be into you and you deserve better.

Plus, don’t you want a guy whose attention you don’t need to get via text? Don’t you want a guy trying to get your attention? [Read: Being left on read – What it really means when they don’t text back]

What NOT to text a guy to get his attention

There are some things you should certainly avoid texting a guy. Some just won’t work, while others may get you the wrong kind of attention.

You need to know the ‘do nots’ so you can side-step potential problems and keep his attention on you for the right reasons. A bad attention-seeking text can be hard to get over.

There may be no such thing as bad press, but there is such a thing as bad attention. Trust us, it is better to be off his radar than to be on it in the wrong way. [Read: Texting anxiety – How to send and receive texts without freaking out]

1. Nude photos

This is just a straight-up no. Just don’t do it. No matter how tempting, this is a lot riskier than you think it is. [Read: How to do damage control if your nudes get leaked]

2. Lies

Don’t make up some big lie to get his attention. It isn’t worth it. If you have to lie to get his attention, you don’t really want his attention.

Plus, even if it were to work, it is likely you’ll get caught in the lie later. You have to have a very good memory to be a liar. [Read: Little white lies that are okay to tell on a first date]

3. Hey, what’s up?

This is a very boring text. How would you like to receive it? It has no intrigue, uniqueness, or creativity.

There is nothing to make you want to respond. You’re not showing any personality or gumption here and that’s not how you want him to think of you.

4. Emojis

Emojis are fine, but trying to get his attention with the unicorn, the frown face, and a pizza feels juvenile. He’ll think that you can’t come up with any words to show your personality and that’s not in the least bit attractive.

For sure, a well-placed emoji is useful, but along with words! Of course, it goes without saying that you should never overdo emojis either.

5. Double texts

You can say it is a glitch with your phone all you want, but we know you just want to make sure he got your text.

You want to remind him you texted earlier and make sure he hasn’t forgotten. He also knows what you’re doing and he isn’t going to believe any of your excuses. [Read: Double texting – What it is, how to avoid it and 15 must-follow rules]

6. A paragraph

If you are in the middle of a deep conversation, go ahead and send a novel of text, but if you are just texting to start a conversation, a paragraph is not the way to do it.

Likely he’ll pick up his phone, see he has to read a persuasive essay, and go back to doing something else. He’ll leave you on read and that’s not fun.

7. Drunk texts

We don’t know who thought this was a good idea, but it is always regretful in the morning. And what’s worse is texting sober and pretending that you’re drunk texting so that you have an excuse for anything embarrassing you may say.

Not cute. [Read: How to avoid the awkward drama of drunk texting]

8. Pretend fake texts

We’re all guilty of doing this before. You will text your crush something that was clearly meant for someone else so you can text again and say, “Oops sorry, that wasn’t meant for you.”

That is not cute, it does not work, and it is just embarrassing. He will see straight through it. [Read: The accidental text on purpose – How to use it and when to definitely avoid it]

9. Gossip

Celebrity gossip is okay but reaching out to get a guy’s attention by either making up something or spreading gossip is not a good look.

Gossip is nothing short of annoying at the best of times and even if you do it with your girlfriends, don’t drag him into it. He won’t appreciate it. [Read: 85 very flirty questions to ask a guy and leave him thinking of you]

10. Asking why he hasn’t responded

As much as you deserve an explanation, you will likely never get it. Unless he magically says “sorry I was working” or he was asleep, you will just have to suffer from not knowing.

Sorry. But, know that if he doesn’t respond, he’s not the kind of guy you want anyway.

[Read: How to ignore a guy ignoring you and regain the power]

You better not still be wondering what to text a guy to get his attention. We’re sure one of these will work, and if not, move on to greener pastures.