Spirits communicate with us in lots of ways. What might hinder growth on either part is to not let go fully, constantly pine for someone and wish they were back in physical form, from my experience.
However, communication with those on the other side is a beautiful thing, and they study how to do it just like we do.
I'm a medium myself, constantly learning, and communication of this sort is a beautiful thing. I believe that we are eternal...that earth isn't our first "gig." lol We communicate with people we left behind, people who's left the physical plane, guides, you name it.
I'm not gonna say much more, because this is a thread asking for a spread, after all.