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Four illustrated scenes of connection and support
Hell and Back

Get to know each other in the present

FREE • PRACTICAL • AT YOUR PACE

HAB University

Real-life education for life during and after incarceration.

Lesson 2 of 3 · about 7 minutes

Get to know each other in the present

I already know this — skip it

What is it?

A reconnection conversation asks about current preferences, goals, and routines instead of relying only on the past.

Why would I need this?

Practice curiosity when either person’s life has changed during the separation.

Show me.

  1. Choose a low-pressure time to talk.
  2. Ask one open question about a current preference or goal.
  3. Listen without correcting the answer to match an old memory.
  4. Share something about your own life now and agree on a small way to reconnect.

Try it.

Ask a trusted adult a sample question: “What does a comfortable evening look like for you now?” Either person may pass.

Watch out for this.

No one owes a detailed account of every experience to take part in this exercise.

Explain this another way

Focus on one small task: get to know each other in the present. You can practice aloud, on paper, or with someone you trust.

Show me an example

HAB practice example: Jordan remembers busy family dinners; Sam currently prefers a shorter visit. They discuss a visit length that works for both.

What does that word mean?Open the full glossary

You did it.

You have practiced a useful next step. Repeat it if you want, or continue at your own pace.

Related lessons

Separate hopes from promises
Use small agreements when rebuilding trust

Put this lesson into practice

Open the related HAB helper →My HAB / saved work

Take the next step

Location-specific HAB resource connection: not connected yet. No local eligibility, facility rule, or service availability is assumed here.

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Lesson version 1 · editorial review 2026-09-12. General education. Individual requirements can differ.

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