How can couples communicate better?

Pick a calm time, talk about one issue at a time, use "I feel" statements instead of accusations and listen without planning your reply. Repeat back what you heard before responding. Take a break if voices rise and come back later.

Try "I feel... when... I need..." sentences, take turns to speak without interrupting and repeat back what you heard. Pick a time when neither of you is hungry or tired. If a talk becomes heated, pause for twenty minutes and return to it.