I dream in very clear images. It's only waking that I can't visualize. There's a window when I am just falling asleep that I see random images, but it is impossible for me consciously call up an image.
You are ahead of me. I was 55 before I figured it out. I agree, my family and friends don't really get it. Feel free to rant.
I've been married for 36 years and have two adult children, and yes, it has always been a challenge. I didn't know I had aphantasia until about six years ago, but it explained why I have relied so heavily on photos my entire life. I have had to accept that my emoitional connection with my is probably different than the one they have with me, but the connection is still real. Just different.