As Nick Jonas reveals how he DMed Priyanka Chopra, here's how you can be smooth at messaging

As romantic as a handwritten letter arriving days late with slightly smudged ink may seem times have changed In an era where relationships often begin with a notification rather than a chance encounter a welltimed direct message can spark a conversation or end it before it begins The recent resurfacing of Nick Jonasrsquo decadeold first message to Priyanka Chopra has reignited conversations about what makes a good first move and how to navigate online dating safelyShaila ColacoWith the Internet abuzz Mumbaibased psychologist and relationship counsellor Shaila Colaco tells us why the message worked how to approach someone respectfully online the red flags to watch out for and the precautions to take before moving a digital connection offlineColaco says ldquoDonrsquot overthink it reaching out first doesnrsquot need to be clever or cheesy It needs to be respectful straightforward and genuine Build rapport gradually verify who yoursquore speaking to and donrsquot mistake someonersquos online presence for reality The strongest connections begin with honest communication not assumptionsrdquoldquoNick and Priyanka already knew of each other professionally making the conversation far less intrusive than a message from a complete stranger The message had a clear purpose There were no exaggerated compliments no pickup lines and nothing that would make the other person uncomfortable it showed confidence without crossing boundariesrdquo she addsBefore the meetupParents should have conversations with their teenage children to help them stay safeMoving from DMs to real life should happen gradually and ideally a few video calls to verify that the person is who they claim to be Colaco also urges people not to mistake attention for affection Choose a busy public place such as a cafeacute or restaurant and avoid hotel rooms Airbnbs or isolated locations Parents she adds should remain involved in young people especially teenagersrsquo online lives as they are particularly vulnerable to grooming scams and coercionHow to respectfully slide into DMsNick Jonasrsquo first DM to Priyanka Chopra Pic courtesyheyjonaspodcastIf you use social media often chances are yoursquove slid into someonersquos DMs or had someone slide into yours Remember an Agrade profile or follower count does not determine how you approach someone Here are a few things to note before you hit sendDorsquosgtgt Introduce yourself with purpose and mention what prompted you to reach outgtgt Build trust gradually before exchanging phone numbers or personal detailsgtgt Verify their identity through a few video calls before meeting in persongtgt Observe their online behaviour including posts interactions and the following listDontrsquosgtgt Make the mistake of assuming a polished profile as reality social media rarely tells the full storygtgt Ignore inconsistencies in their stories behaviour or profilegtgt Share sensitive personal information before trust has been establishedgtgt Rush into an inperson meeting without taking time to get to know themTIP If yoursquore too shy a funny meme or reel can be a good conversation starterGet it rightThe best way to slide into someonersquos DMs is to be respectful genuine and confident Representation picsistockThe Red Flagsgtgt Asking for your number too quicklygtgt Sudden sexual innuendos in the first few conversationsgtgt Sending unsolicited intimate photographs suggestive content or clicheacute latenight messagesgtgt Being vague or inconsistent about personal detailsgtgt Belittling your profession appearance or where you livegtgt A noticeable change in tone when you refuse or avoid answering a questionThe Green Flagsgtgt Introduces themselves honestly and explains why they reached outgtgt Shows patience allowing trust to develop before taking the next stepgtgt Encourages transparency and has no hesitation in verifying their identity