Loving Communication I am currently reading The Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh and going through some rough spots in a relationship.

From a Buddhist perspective, what is the most loving way to communicate, in a relationship when both people are suffering and have opposite needs? One believes they need space to heal and find themselves, and the other needs understanding that comes through meaningful communication before that time apart will seem restorative.
Buddhism always recommends truthful (sacca) &amp; gentle (soracca) speech in relationship.
Three other qualities emphasised are: (i) training (dama) in self-improvement; (ii) patience (khanti); &amp; (iii) sacrifice (caga). See link.
At this time, the above qualities are obviously crucial in your 'rough spot'.
However, the most important quality of relationship in Buddhism is 'mutual or same needs'.

Householders, if both husband and wife wish to see one another not only in this present time but also in the future, they should have the
same faith, the same virtuous behavior, the same generosity and the
same wisdom.
Both husband and wife are endowed with faith, charitable and self-controlled, living their lives righteously, addressing each other
with pleasant words,
Then many benefits accrue to them and they dwell at ease. When both are the same in virtue.
Samajivina Sutta: The Same in Living

A commentary on this teaching by Thailand's foremost scholar monk is below:

The compatible couple: there are principles for partners in life to ensure their compatibility, providing a firm foundation for a long married life, called the four qualities for a good match (samajivi-dhamma):
1. Sama-saddha: having compatible faith; they uphold the same religion, revere the same objects of worship, concepts, beliefs or principles,
and share the same lines of interest - they are equally firm in all
these or can reach agreement on them.
2. Sama-sila: having compatible morality; they have conduct, morality, ethics, manners and upbringing which are harmonious or compatible.
3. Sama-caga: having compatible generosity; they are in accord, not conflict, with each other in their generosity, hospitality,
munificence, sacrifice, and readiness to help others.
4. Sama-panna: having compatible intelligence; they are sensible and can understand each other; they can at least reason with each other.
A Constitution for Living: Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life

Without same needs or goals, Buddhism would say a relationship is difficult to maintain.