Let’s talk about phone calls.  Every inmate needs to hear the voice of a child, spouse, or parent, or have a conversation with a friend. Hopefully he will make these calls often.  Accept them graciously, and if you are a spouse or significant other, lovingly, as they mean so much to your GOODCON.  Try to keep them positive, even if your GOODCON is expressing anger, frustration or is just plain bummed.  That is when your support is needed most.  A call only lasts 15 minutes and by the time you get the next call, your inmate’s mood will probably have improved significantly.  Lastly, although your inmate needs to be included as much as possible in real world activities, he doesn’t need to hear about every problem you have.  He is already frustrated by being separated from you.  Constant negativity only makes matters worse.  And Yo, even if the situation you’re in may have been caused by your GOODCON, now is not the time for “I told you so” . . . not if you ever want him or her back.