To have a successful and productive conversation with your partner about your needs and desires:

• Timing is everything. Set a time aside together that is free of distractions, relatively peaceful, and not when you are overtired.
• Remember, you're on the same team. Handle the conversation with gentleness and without criticism.
• Actively listen. To encourage understanding, don't just listen to respond. Truly try to understand how your partner feels.
• It's about giving and taking. Relationships are about mutual understanding, compassion, and sacrifice.
• Do regular relationship checkups to foster connection and open communication.