My wife and I still have long periods of few words at times. It used to make me very uncomfortable but not so much any more. I try to remember highlights from my day for something to talk about.
The main thing to remember is to act "as if" you are not uncomfortable even when she's quiet. If she isn't initiating or responding much, that's ok, don't force it... just go do something constructive. Try again later, always keeping a PMA.
M: A really long time. Crisis: 5 years. She's still worth it.
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. -Viktor Frankl
