To go along with talking, you need to be a good listener
. This is when you hear what the other is saying and catch what's going on in their world. If your partner has something to say to you give them the respect of paying attention or you may miss something very important. Again, as a couple that has been together for some time, the listening skills can slip, it is sometimes called selective hearing.
Work on your communication skills and you can avoid having to fix a bad relationship. There will be problems that come up but being the two of you are able to talk to each other the problems are easier to fix.