- It makes sense that transitioning to a relationship w/ these adults is challenging. Your entire relationship with them for approximately 20 years was with a parent and a small, initially helpless human. Now that helpless human has many of the same abilities you do. You are both adults. But it started out with one being helpless and the other being capable. No wonder the transition is hard! Also, the way you talk to each other even, you had much, much to discuss and talk about, mostly plans for your days, your time together, schedules, what to eat. It was often around care and schedules and growing up this child. Your conversations were with an adult and child. Your rhythms even of recreating had that flavor to them. Even families in which there is respect and humor and honor, it is still there. Now you are equals. Now you must find different things to discuss even though some daily life things still matter and still are discussed (how is grandma, how is the house, the dog, the city, when will we travel together next, etc.).