Date Night Conversation

Did you hear about this study last spring...

If you and your partner don't have much to talk about, you're not alone. A new study has found couples who have been married 20 years or more barely speak to each other.
The British study found that couples who have been married 50 years will sit together in silence for up to 57 minutes in an hour.
Unlike young lovers who chat about shared interests and goals, older couples often limit their conversation to "pass the sauce" and the weather.
While some say they prefer a relaxed atmosphere, others admit they simply can't be bothered to talk, according to the study by dating website ForgetDinner.co.uk.
Couples married for 30 years or more talk for only 16 minutes in every hour, while those in a 20-year relationship enjoy only five minutes more.
Even newlyweds chat for less than 40 minutes during an hour-long meal, according to the study of 500 couples across the UK.
In contrast, unmarried pairs natter for an average of 50 minutes in every 60.

I hate these studies, they freak me out.  But at least they make me take preventative measures. 

When I was at the spa last week, I was this article in Parents Magazine about making the most of date night conversation.  It also offered this cheat sheet...

So a few things:

A. I love me a good cheat sheet

B. This is something we actually did prior to the study!  1 point for us :)

C. This has some questions I haven't asked yet!!

We use to go out to eat. A LOT.  And we noticed couples ranging from much older than us to much older than us, and they didn't talk while at dinner. Like at all. They would talk more to the waiter than each other.  And years ago we vowed to never get like that. 

So I always ask "what if" or "hypothetical" questions... often ridiculous but always entertaining.

We plan things (travel, parties, friend nights) and we talk about work.  I love helping George come up with ways to connect with his team (he manages 30 customer support reps.).  Family, friends and memories are other common topics.

Basically, we just try our best to talk.  Oh, and while holding hands. 

How about you guys?  Are you and your SO talkers?  Any other tips you want to share?

Happy Saturday! 

Off to dinner and a movie night at our friends' house!