It's a high level skill. To do it successfully, you have to get past defensiveness. The walking on egg shells syndrome has to be conquered. If you can have more fun, you'll probably enjoy the relationship. It's tricky though, real fun is relaxed and connected, not simply parallel activities.
L earning good communication is about being a good listener.
Validating rather than arguing or defending. However the real purpose of communication is essential to keep in mind. Too often communication is used for blaming or complaining, while the real purpose should be to reveal yourself with your partner as a witness. We become more fully who we are as we develop. Our partner witnessing us go through that is a wonderful gift of love.