Actually, it's not really necessary to "work" with the dreams. They bring a certain type of energy which will affect your life, whether or not you pay attention to the dream. So, it may seem to you that your dream was meaningless, and your mind would not know how to relate to the dreams, while the influence will still be felt in your life.
About the aspects - actually, the people you meet during your awaked reality are also representing parts of your soul self. So the elders are correct! :)