What defines "family?"

United States
September 22, 2008 11:34am CST
We all have someone or someones that have the title sister or brother or some name that supposedly definies the word "Family" but well, we question the word. Does the fact they are born of the same parents or at least of one make them family? I have some family members that treat me like I have the plague. It seems that being Bipolar is more than a disorder to them... it is a DISEASE. Something to avoid and not let it ummm infect them! They find reasons not to visit, reasons not to be too many places I am. UNLESS of course they need a big strpping pair of shoulders to move something. I have non-"family", because they aren't relatives in any way, that are more family to me. They treat me like I am just another guy. They look forward to being around me and laughing with me. They even have a "family" love for me and I for them as well. To me, the word family, although websters says it is parents,grandparents, sister brother aunt uncle etc has another meaning. It is those around you that share in like interests. They share the same attitudes and goals and share in your life. They are the people that you admire and are admired by. They are simply put, people that make up the place that you call home in your heart. So I ask you... Just because they share your name, your father or your mother, just for the fact that they have lived with you since you were born; Does that make them family? Does that give them the right to treat you in ways that they do onlyyy because they know you are family and can do little about it? They say we hurt the ones we love and call family because we know they won't go away. Hmmmmmm, I think THEY are wrong! What do you think??????
2 people like this
1 response
• United States
3 Oct 08
i dont have a positive outlook that goes with the word "family".. to me family are the people you are STUCK with.. they can use and abuse and yet because of the whole "family" thing you are suppose to take it up the butt.. to me i dont feel like i have much family at all.. i have my mom but there was a lot of bad stuff in my childhood to where being around my family throws me into flash backs.. my best friend one time said she thinks of all of her friends as family and i mentioned that i didnt and it took me awhile to figure out that i think friends are better because they choose to be with you and not stuck with you.. family tends to hurt you worse just because its always stuck in your head that they are suppose to be the ones you trust.. who ever came up with the whole "family is the most important thing in the world & that they will always be there" is full of crap!!
• United States
3 Oct 08
i hear yor words and I agree with the fact that sometimes, friends are closer and more loyal than "family." They have chosen to be with you and stand by you when times are tough. Some of my family is that way and others..........??? Well we just share the same DNA. Thank you for reading this. Hugsssss to you... Darrel