The partner does ask for items, its denoted by the arrows in each items and/or you could hold Spacebar to view the current tasks. If you give any other items other than the one asked, you'll have the meter rising and not lowering.
Yes, I wanted the player to be on edge, so the meter would always be in the redzone, unless you are very fast and manage the tasks well.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it!