I'm thinking that tonight it'd be nice to stay at home and sit by the fire together.

Pros: Romantic; Sounds as if you're spontaneous.

Cons: Requires fireplace (or a cement floor and ventilation); Romantic moments often prompt even more What are you thinking queries.

I'm thinking how much I love you.

Pros: Generally provokes a positive response that short circuits any need for further conversation; Is often also true.

Cons: If you use it too much, she'll know it's a line, and then you're really in trouble.

I was wondering if there is actually life on other planets.

Pros: Cosmic; Shows you are a deep thinker.

Cons: Woman may wonder if this is an intro to the same sort of alien sigmoidoscopy story that ruined her last relationship.

I was imagining, if I were an animal, what sort of animal I'd be

Pros: Imaginative; Allows woman to spend many happy minutes trying to establish your place in the animal kingdom.

Cons: She might think you resemble a marmoset or skunk; She may forego the animal world altogether and go straight to yeasts.

I'm just thinking about how true the lyrics to 'Dust in the Wind' really are.

Pros: Shows depth of musical knowledge; As last resort to forestall conversation, you may break out into song.

Cons: If she's a connoisseur of 70s melodic rock, you may find yourself in a bitter, divisive quarrel about which is deeper, Dust or Aerosmith's Dream On.