I agree with most of what's been posted. You seem to already have a leg up on "non-geeks" by being who you are. I learned the following two things after I turned 30. (1) "Validate her:" basically in the middle of an argument, paraphrase back to her what you think she is saying (not what you think of what she is saying). This has an awesome disarming effect on her, and it will give you her perspective. (2) Pick your battles. There are some arguments that you will never win. It's not always about who makes more sense.
And, specifically don't do the following costly mistakes:
1- Don't cite statistics about divorce or break up rate, no matter how useful or reasonable such a citation might seem TO YOU. Two months into my relationship with my current fiance I told her that the statistical probability of people who have been dating for two months (like us) to end up together on the long run is slim. Nevermind that I was using that statistic as an example why people SHOULDN'T be complacent and that men should not take women for granted. All SHE HEARD was me saying that I don't think that we stand a chance together. This was the first occasion where I realized the awesome power of tips (1) and (2) above.
2- If she flirtingly asks you to say something nice to her, never ever EVER tell her that she is the SECOND prettiest girl you know especially if you really believe that. It turns out that truth does not add force to a compliment (#1 girl was an older married chick that was realistically never in my reach). As a guy, I'd be very happy if a girl - especially the one I'm asking to marry me - would say that to me. Being number two after an unattainable guy like Brad Pitt type is pretty good to me. Well, no... they don't see it that way.
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I second Terry Pratchett.
I second Little Brother.
I agree with most of what's been posted. You seem to already have a leg up on "non-geeks" by being who you are. I learned the following two things after I turned 30. (1) "Validate her:" basically in the middle of an argument, paraphrase back to her what you think she is saying (not what you think of what she is saying). This has an awesome disarming effect on her, and it will give you her perspective. (2) Pick your battles. There are some arguments that you will never win. It's not always about who makes more sense.
And, specifically don't do the following costly mistakes:
1- Don't cite statistics about divorce or break up rate, no matter how useful or reasonable such a citation might seem TO YOU. Two months into my relationship with my current fiance I told her that the statistical probability of people who have been dating for two months (like us) to end up together on the long run is slim. Nevermind that I was using that statistic as an example why people SHOULDN'T be complacent and that men should not take women for granted. All SHE HEARD was me saying that I don't think that we stand a chance together. This was the first occasion where I realized the awesome power of tips (1) and (2) above.
2- If she flirtingly asks you to say something nice to her, never ever EVER tell her that she is the SECOND prettiest girl you know especially if you really believe that. It turns out that truth does not add force to a compliment (#1 girl was an older married chick that was realistically never in my reach). As a guy, I'd be very happy if a girl - especially the one I'm asking to marry me - would say that to me. Being number two after an unattainable guy like Brad Pitt type is pretty good to me. Well, no... they don't see it that way.