My Mom always said Blood is thicker than Water

I think both heredity and environment play a factor. I did see a movie which was based on everything has to do with heredity, and the message given was "if your father was a serial killer then you will be. " I think it was on Channel 21 n our area. About a woman whose mother was murdered, etrc. and there were a series of murders. The murderer was the son of the man who killed her mother.The movie was trying to tell us that what your parents did you will do the same. They did not mention anything such as the father taking the son on his forays, or getting mad at him when he did not torture the neighbourhood cat or anything like that. If they did, it would show that it was also the environment. Ido not know if there is a subconscious memory, but I think it is that you can sense if they come from the same area where your family came from. It is not just your close relatives. It is easier if you were like pure Italian, or pure English, but if you are a mixture of German, English, Austrian and Welsh, then it does get confusing.

Hmmm I don't think I ever heard it put this way, but reminds me of a movie with this theme. I agree with you that one should try to persuade the relative who committed the crime to turn themselves in. My DNA question is part of the heredity vs. environment debate. I am wondering if there could be a 'genetic memory' through DNA that might cause one to even subconsciously ‘remember’ when meeting a relative. LOL hope that's clear. I sometimes find it hard to put thoughts into words to give my exact meaning.

Yes with many cultures in ones background that would be a mixed message for sure. I haven't even thought about same area/culture/'pure blood' familiarity. Great point I suppose all those from the same geographical area/country would have similar DNA characteristics even of they are not closely related. Perhaps the relationship goes back further. Very interesting

It is a Chinese proverb.

I have never heard that saying and I can see in some cases that could be very true.

Thank you..I think I understand the meaning though sometimes things are lost in a translation.

Yup! Friend...We still need the help and support of our family. Those people who almost cast out their parents because of selfishness. There's a time for them to think about their parents. When they suffer hardship in life...that's the time they ask for the support of their parents and parents didn't think a hundred times to go after their children but a second they go for the request of their children...that's how blood thicker than water

That is the way it is for most. I think you're right in that poeple will ask a relative for help sooner than a friend..unless it is a very very close friend that one considers to be 'like family'

Foir me, closeness comes out of similar ways of looking at the world, similar interest, even similar prsonelities. I feel very close to my woman friends who are mostly artists of some sort and a little bit crazy (as I also am) and have difficulties to talk sometimes with my siblings who are all into science and use more the other half of the brain.

I hear what you are saying, but do you also believe there is something "special" about your attitude toward a relative as opposed to a non relative? Say you meet 2 people and find out one turns out to be related..isn't that an automatic feeling of closeness in comparison to the other person?

I see your point. It makes sense you would feel closer to someone with whom you relate on a shared interst level..TY

See....the part where you say "I'd do anything for my family" is fascinating. Even if you aren't as close as you once were you still give then that consideration because they are family. Am I understanding you correctly?? You would probably do the same for very close friends, but it seems family have a unique place in our feelings of "obligation".

I agree, One can only encourage and aid another to change and it has to be their decision or it won't be successful, imo.

I have heard others say the same. It is true that one can choose their friends but not so much their relatives.

I wonder if in time your brother will change. I have heard of people becomig closer to their families when they grew older. Sometimes when we are young we don't value the same things as we do as we mature. Then when we notice ourselves aging we are reminded we will not always be around.

I think she was wise too. TY. I do agree it is important to teach family appreciation. I also think we are put together with certain people in life to learn from them even if the lessons are painful. We learn more from pain than ease. I don't know why things have to be that way, but they are.

How wonderful to hear the joy in your post! Yes family understands tough times together. Good for you. Isn't it fascinating how what others say or finances doesn't define us and we can rise above all of that when we have something more important like family love?

I haven't heard that one. I am assuming it means some relationships with non relatives can be stronger than relationships with relatives?? I would agree with that as the exception to the phrase blood is thicher than water.

I am not sure I understand. Are you saying the family always stays close or just until the children have children?.

I have found that to be true too. With the majority of people, it seems family is more reliable than friends.

That’s true, family will always be family. I agree not talking for years is very sad partly because no one knows how much time is left for each individually. I too would urge anyone who hasn't spoken to a relative for years to try to make up. However, come to think of it, I'd urge the same with people who aren’t relatives but just used to be friends. Why have quarrels with anyone. Forgive and move on.

Well I do feel close to all my relatives and I do go out of my way to more than give them the 'benefit' of the doubt. Still, very close friends become almost like a relative...and yet, it's just 'almost'