JM,
A lot of us had pretty poor teachers and roll models for interpersonal communication in "romantic" relationships, and in life generally! I know I did!
Fortunately, with patience and courage, we can learn "advanced skills" in these areas with study and practice!
There are lots of books on the subject, some good, some only okay, and some not good at all.
It's difficult to learn a new way of being with someone with whom we have long ingrained habits, and it's always best if both partners decide, together, that it would be good to improve their communication and mutual respect and kindness toward one another.
If you meet resistance to this, take it easy and breathe and relax... don't get out the big guns! You may both be caught in a style of relating and communication which no longer works for both of you. Changing something like that can take time, and may even require facilitation from a councelor.
I'm no expert(!), but do take time to grow in your own awareness of your needs while building your own knowledge of better communication skills.
We're here for you, with all of our own limits!
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