Breaking down the (stone)wall

For the past couple weeks in class, we have been focusing on function and process. Recently, I have noticed that my fiance and I have a pretty predictable process when we argue. I am the one to usually initiate the argument, and I tell him what is bothering me. It always seems that he thinks he is right, and will repeat his views until he is blue in the face. I try to acknowledge his feelings on the subject, but he never tries to see things from my point of view. This is when I usually stonewall the argument.
Last night, we had an argument about how one of the kids was disciplined. This seems to be a conflict that we come back to on a regular basis. This time, I decided to work through the argument instead of going to my usual place of stonewalling. I again acknowledged his feelings and views, and I did my best to convey mine. When he kept going on about how he felt about the situation, I listened patiently until he paused. Then I suggested solutions to the problem (take this toy away from him instead; let's tell him why we are upset with him, then tell him the consequence...). I think that this really helped, because we actually agreed on something. So now, when a situation like this comes up again, we will know how to deal with it effectively.
I'm not sure exactly what I want to do when I finish school, but I know that whatever job I have, communication is important. Whether it be me communicating to a family, or explaining to a teenager how to communicate to his/her parents, it will be an important part of my professional career. Many people have a hard time communicating with others, and it is important to break the process so the issues can be dealt with.