“Getting it”

This can be hard, especially when you’ve known someone for a
long time. I mean, you’ve pretty sure you know what your loved one is thinking
and feeling without them even saying a word, right.  You might have gotten it all right in the
past, but now that your loved one is aging, you might have to change some of
the old assumptions.  Here are some ways
to rediscover your loved one. 

1. Listen
   to them.  Resist the temptation to
   speed listen.
2. Have
   leading questions and be specific.
3. Give
   them time to answer.
4. Ask
   older people about the early events in their life.
5. Ask
   them what they like and dislike. 
   Taste buds change with age and so do routines.

Be sure to “get it” with your
loved one.  All we really need is understanding.