The Best Relationships That Started with a DM
It might seem like modern love has become a swipe-and-scroll situation, but some of the best love stories today start with something as simple as a direct message. Whether it was a heart reaction on an Instagram Story or a thoughtful reply to a tweet, sliding into someone’s DMs has evolved into a legitimate path to connection.
And for a surprising number of couples, that digital reach-out led to a real relationship — and in many cases, marriage.
Let’s dive into the true stories of relationships that began with a DM, explore why they work, and offer a few tips if you’re thinking of making your move.
When a DM Becomes the Start of Everything
1. From Instagram Emoji to “I Do”
Marissa and Jamal were casual followers of each other for over a year on Instagram, occasionally liking each other’s photos. One day, Jamal responded to Marissa’s story about homemade pasta with a simple, “Chef vibes 🔥.”
That was it.
That one line opened the door to a full conversation. Within two weeks, they were texting daily. A month later, they met in person. Two years after that DM, they were married in a small ceremony in Napa Valley.
“People think it has to be this big pickup line,” Jamal shared on their wedding blog. “But it was just genuine curiosity.”
2. Twitter Banter Turned Love Story
Sasha and Ben met on Twitter after a meme thread about bad coffee turned into a back-and-forth roast session. Followers started shipping them, and Sasha eventually sent Ben a DM that said: “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
Ben replied, “I was hoping you’d say something.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, they co-run a lifestyle brand together and even told their story in an interview with Elite Daily.
Why DMs Can Actually Work for Dating
Sliding into the DMs might sound casual — but there’s psychology and real-world success behind it. Here’s why DMs have become the new meet-cute:
- Low-pressure entry: Unlike cold approaches in person, DMs give both parties space to respond — or not — without social awkwardness.
- Shared interest: You’re probably DMing someone because you already connect through humor, style, hobbies, or mutual friends.
- No forced setting: This isn’t speed dating or a dating app profile — it’s more authentic and spontaneous.
According to a Pew Research study, over 1 in 4 couples who met online said their first interaction happened through social media DMs rather than a dating app.
3 More True Stories That Started in the DMs
3. TikTok Connection That Went Viral
Ava had over 250k followers on TikTok and posted a video lip-syncing to a nostalgic early 2000s pop song. Luke — a small creator — stitched the video with his own parody version. She laughed, followed him, and messaged: “You win the internet today 😂.”
They started FaceTiming daily. A month later, he flew across the country to meet her. They now create content together and even shared their DM-to-couple story on BuzzFeed.
4. Reddit Strangers to Real-World Partners
Not every DM happens on Instagram or Twitter. For Monica and Reggie, it was Reddit.
They were both active in a niche subreddit for indie video games. Monica posted a screenshot of a game she was developing, and Reggie offered coding feedback. That led to a direct chat, and eventually, late-night conversations about everything from game mechanics to personal goals.
They dated long-distance for nearly a year before Monica moved to his city. They now work on game development full-time — as a couple.
5. Facebook Friend Request Followed by a DM
This one goes old-school. Daria and Tony were high school classmates who hadn’t spoken in over 10 years. Tony saw Daria pop up in a mutual friend’s tagged photo and decided to shoot his shot.
His message? “I remember you being the smartest girl in AP English — did you ever write that book?”
That one sentence led to a nostalgic exchange that uncovered shared life values and chemistry. Three years later, they got engaged during a bookshop proposal.
When It Doesn’t Work (And That’s Okay)
Not every DM ends in romance. Sometimes it’s awkward, gets left on read, or misfires completely. But that doesn’t mean it’s a mistake.
Take it from Erica, who shared on Medium that after sending a polite DM to a guy she’d followed for a year, she got no response. “I cringed for a day,” she admitted. “But I’d rather take the risk than wonder what might’ve happened.”
The key is to keep it respectful and real — and accept that a DM is just a door. Whether someone opens it is their choice.
Tips for Sending That First DM
If you’re thinking about sliding in, here are some simple, smart ways to approach it:
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Comment on something specific | Shows you’re paying attention and not just copy-pasting messages. |
| Be casual and authentic | You’re not proposing — you’re starting a convo. Keep it low-key. |
| Don’t open with a compliment about looks | Try personality, humor, or shared interests instead. |
| Be ready for no reply | It’s not personal — everyone has their boundaries. Respect them. |
| Look for open-ended cues | If they post questions, polls, or Stories, that’s your chance. |
Final Thoughts: Love in the Time of DMs
Relationships that start in the DMs are proof that real love can bloom anywhere — even in the smallest, boldest, or most random of messages. As social media becomes more embedded in daily life, it’s no longer taboo to say “We met on Instagram” or “He replied to my tweet.”
In fact, it might be the new romantic normal.
So if you’ve been thinking about messaging that person you keep circling around online — this might be your sign. Because some of the best relationships today didn’t start at the bar or through a dating app.
They started with a DM.
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