Communication is a major issue

My girlfriend and I struggle to communicate. We have been together for around five months, and I know it takes time for two people to understand each other better, but our dates are weird because we spend half the time just wondering what to say to each other. I dont know if other couples have this problem, but I have never experienced it before with any ex-girlfriends, so I dont know if my girlfriend is just shy and cant say whats on her mind. I have tried asking her all kinds of questions, but her responses are always short, and she doesnt come back with any questions of her own, so it starts to feel one-sided very quickly. I dont know if I can keep doing this because it is exhausting after a point. Now I am always a little tired even before I meet her because I know I will have to do all the work. We are very attracted to each other, and I know she cares about me, which is why this situation is so strange. How do I get out of this rut?Caring for someone and developing communications skills are two separate things. If your girlfriend isnt communicating, you can be patient, but you have to accept that your patience will run out after a point. Its possible that she is shy and needs time to open up, and thats okay, but its also possible that you wont like meeting her if your dates start to feel like work. The onus of fixing this isnt on you alone, so I suggest you stop trying too hard to fill in those silences with conversation. Try meeting her with no expectations and say nothing if it isnt natural. If things dont change after a point, ask yourself if your mutual attraction is backed by compatibility, which is equally important. Also, dont be afraid to ask her any direct questions. The inbox is now open to take your most carnal and amorous queries. Send your questions on email to lovedoc@mid-day.com