This is not evolving. Communication and asking permission is the way to make a relationship work. If my women like my beard and tell me to not shave it I will not shave it because I care about what makes her like me. I expect the same from her side.
Evolving in relationships comes with communication. The higher communication quality exist the less the problems occurs.
communication is a major part in a relationship and trust, and shareing common things, supporting your partner.
But a bad sex or the lack of sex entirely can ruin a relationship no matter how good everything else is, and great sex can also save a relatioship. I mean I treated my ex from a year ago like dirt sometimes, but the sex was heavenly. And I recently broke with my newest girlfriend and guess what, my former ex is delighted and is eager to come visiting me. Great sex just draws people together don't it.