1.  Ask and inform you partner about what your needs are:  Your partner can’t read your mind, so don’t force them to try.  Avoid sending hints or beating around the bush with "mind games"--they may seem cute and fun, but your partner might not always think so.
2.  Make time during the day to talk to your partner:  30 minutes a day, preferably some time during the evening after you have both had time to wind down, find out what each other did during their day, share thoughts, experiences, etc.  MAKE THIS HABITUAL!
3.  Avoid critical and absolute words: Critical words are words which show judgment.--"Why did you…?" or "You shouldn‘t have done it that way."  While absolute words form roadblocks to communication, preventing improvement-- "You will never…" or "You always…"
4.  If you are upset, take time to release some of your stress:  Be considerate of your partner by not taking out your frustrations on them.  Try journaling, taking a walking, or talking yourself through your thoughts to clear your head.  Diffusion of small problems allows you to be more attentive and less reactive to your partner.
5.  Remember and reinforce the concept of teamwork:  Realize that in a healthy, loving relationship no one "wins" an argument; serious commitment means meeting your partner halfway.  Attempt to resolve the issue as a team by finding a way to fix the situation through compromising and understanding.
6.  Exhibit to each other that you both understand where the other person is coming from: Validate your partner’s feelings by having empathy, attempting to understand, and clarifying their thoughts.  Ask questions to prove that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.  By summarizing what they are telling you, you are showing your partner that you are an attentive listener who is making the effort to ensure they are being understood.