We make decisions all the time, and many are the result of our life experiences; we can learn from the outcomes of these choices and strive to make better ones.
It seems only fair that in a partnership both parties make an effort for its success; if you are only willing to consider your own wishes, can it ever be a true alliance?
Each day we should try to learn new things and be willing to consider actions; we may not need to change our opinions, but we should be increasing our understanding.
Somewhere in between what I want and need, and what you want and need, is a place of acceptable compromise; it would seem that neither one of us wants to visit that place.