I have aquired communication skills and a knowledge of my own emotional needs from prior drug counseling. I believe these are very important needs. I believe that in any relationship, these needs must be met, which is impossible without communication. However, that is the single barrier in this relationship. I have come to a roadblock every time I try to initiate communication on our feelings for one another and just general everyday issues. It frustrates us both. I am frustrated; he is wise, however close-minde to the concept of freely expressing true emotions. He isn't aware or receptive to my expressions-often saying "if there isn't a problem, you have to make one". I try to tell him that there isn't a 'problem', necessarily, just a situation that we must work out. He usually communicates agressively with sarcasm, or passively-until it is just too much, then agressively tells me(or worse-shows me with mixed messages and insults) whatever problems communication may have more effectively solved. I am not always one to continue using the skills I know to be effective after becoming frustrated or hurt. It is all such a waste when love is supposed to prevail.
I would like some suggestions on how to 'open' his mind to the concept of communication, and on keeping myself focused on the issue, on assertiveness.

Don't worry about the future, The present is all thou hast; The future will soon be present, And the present will soon be past.