"The mixed-sex couples are less eager to marry because it's what's expected of them. That's my theory. There's no particular law here, so we can do as we like, and what people like depends on --" An airy wave of the hand. "Oh, so many things. Anyway, I was inviting you to compliment my husband -- that was the subtext. It can be on his looks, his thoughtfulness, or his artistic skill, but you do have to say something."