What can I do to better communicate with my partner?

Take your time. Time is most important in good communication. Realising when is a good time to address problems is not easy. You have to find a time that is good for the both of you. Openness would be another key point. It is hard and takes a lot of trust, but only if you are open to yourself and to him you are able to communicate on a good level. Thirdly, cut back on emotions. We all have them but sometimes its rather important to be in a neutral mode while talking. Especially if you talk about your feelings or are upset about something.

Listen to their inner feelings, fears and concerns and connect to them at their level without judging.