Ah, you mirrored a lot in here what I've experienced through my life.
My wife, is in another league compared to me. When we met she was a teacher, had her own business in the past, lived abroad, experienced, mature -- her roots and upbringing were in another world compared to me.
I was just a young man coming out of a reckless youth, retraining, learning the ropes -- I guess what she saw in me was a man that was trying.
Anyway, through that I learned all these things you talked about through her -- speak early, because you don't know what you're getting yourself into!
I liked that you noted that about your friend -- I've never been around quiet women, it would jar me also to have a man speak like that in front of her. But sometimes it's best let the seeds grow themselves.
Good post, I loved it :)
I know quietness doesn't define people but being too quiet when you should speak makes me very uncomfortable. I have never been in a relationship with a quiet person too and it helped me to know when to gently walk away from a lady.
Genuine communication can do a lot in a relationship and like I mentioned, it's not just about preventing broken relationships. It can prevent us from getting in something that won't work.