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    The Compass

    They start from the heart, always. 

    There's a clear priority to make sure everyone feels calm, comfortable, and safe - and they're an absolute pro at making sure that happens.

    However. They can miss the importance of practical planning, especially if the right thing ruffles some feathers.

    Emotional Compass
    Core motivation

    Maintaining emotional safety and connection above all else.

    What else is there?

    How The Compass shows up

    Does this sound like you?

    The Compass can sense someone's emotional state from across the room. They naturally adapt their approach based on everyone's mood and energy, which can get overwhelming in larger confrontations. 

    They're more comfortable with multiple, gentle conversations than one big serious talk, and usually likes to enter with no agenda or goal in mind. 

    Remember:

    • Discomfort is part of life
    • Everyone is responsible for their own emotions
    • Don't assume you know what someone is thinking or feeling

    "I know this must be scary to think about..." 

    "Do you want to talk about this? We can do it another day…" 

    "We don't have to figure everything out today."

    • Family members who are pushy or impatient with the process.
    • Being rushed to make decisions before everyone feels ready.
    • Siblings who dismiss parents' concerns as "just excuses.” 
    • People who neglect the emotional component of the conversation.

    The Compass creates a sense of safety where honest, vulnerable conversations can take place. Connection and understanding come naturally.

    They are the ones everyone can turn to when they need a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board to bounce ideas off of.

    The Compass can get stuck in feelings and worry too much about making others uncomfortable. 

    This avoidance can lead to The Compass trying to speak for others, and never reaching any practical decisions. 

    How you work with Aging Adult types

    Understanding yourself in relation to the aging adults in your life can give you the best starting point for meaningful conversations.

    Could clash

    The Death Positive

    Death Positive-1

    Interesting dynamic where The Compass' emotional attunement meets their practical readiness. They appreciate the care but may not need as much emotional processing as they offer. They may help The Death Positive explore any hidden anxieties, preventing them from rushing past important feelings.

    Pacing is important

    The Procrastinator

    Procrastinator-1

    The Compass' emotional attunement helps you understand their avoidance is anxiety-based, not laziness. They can work with their emotional blocks gently. Progress can be frustratingly slow, and The Compass may enable their avoidance by being too accommodating.

    A perfect pairing

    Anxious Flip-flopper

    Anxious Flipflopper-1

    The Compass is perfectly positioned to ride their emotional waves and provide stability when they oscillate between engagement and panic. The Compass can provide emotional regulation when they can't, empathy helps them feel understood rather than judged.

    Tread lightly

    The Defensive Denial

    Defensive Denier-1

    The Compass' emotional intelligence can help find gentle, non-threatening ways to approach topics, but their defenses may resist even a careful approach. The Compass can find emotional entry points their defenses might allow, and won't trigger defensive responses through insensitivity.

    If you can't do it...

    It's Complicated

    Complicated-1

    The Compass' emotional attunement makes them acutely aware of family dynamics, which can be both helpful and overwhelming depending on relationship status. They may become the family emotional dumping ground; progress gets hijacked by relationship drama; other family members may resent the "special access."

    Explore, learn, and expand your mind

    It's not psychedelics, just great media

    Contemplating the meaning of life, death, and the human experience has been around as long as humans have. These resources have been specifically chosen to access The Compass' blindspots.

    "Decisive" by Chip Heath 

    "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chödrön 

    "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine 

    "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb 

    (all hyperlinks above)

    "Parenthood" (balancing emotions with practical family decisions)

    "Coco" (grief, memory, and family connection)

    "After Life" with Ricky Gervais (processing grief practically)

    "Inside Out" (emotions as information, not just experiences)

    (all hyperlinks above)

    "How to Make Better Decisions" - Harvard Business Review

    "The Compassion Trap" - Psychology Today

    "The Four Noble Truths" - Buddhist perspective

    (all hyperlinks above)

    "Choiceology" (decision-making psychology)

    "The Life Coach School Podcast" (feelings into action)

    "Terrible, Thanks for Asking" (real grief conversations)

    "On Being" episodes with Pema Chödrön

    (all hyperlinks above)

    Good to know, what are the next steps?

    Well, that's pretty much up to you! If you're in a situation right now where the aging people in your life might soon need your help - or you're already there - you can dive right into the resources we keep on Patreon. 

    Or you could explore the other communication types, including a more in-depth look at the 5 Aging Adult types.

    Maybe you're ready to put it all to practice and dive into the conversation card decks. 

    Explore other communication types

    Does The Compass not feel quite right? Want to understand the other people in your life? Explore the other styles here.

    Learn more

    Learn about the Memento conversation cards

    Put your hard-earned knowledge to work with the Memento conversation starter decks. Explore the different types here.

    Convo cards

    Explore more resources on Patreon

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