Here are a few definitions according to Merriam-Webster:
Definition of FAMILY
a: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household
b: a group of persons of common ancestry : clan b : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race
c: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family b : spouse and children
Another thing I have heard relating to family is that
"Blood is thicker than water."
I'm sorry, but I don't completely agree with these statements.
Just because you are blood related doesn't mean you aren't family. When you get married you become a "family", right? Your spouse isn't blood related to you. (No judgements if they are. ;) haha) But because of love, trust, respect and a bunch of other things they become family and you would do anything for them.
As for "Blood is thicker than water"? I call bull crap. What about adopted kids? Do they not have any family because they are adopted by someone who isn't blood? I believe that adopted kids like Madden have some of the most real and loving family out there.
Personally, I refuse to call anyone family who doesn't act like it. I feel that family is based upon love and respect. Now, this doesn't mean that I'm rude to those I am blood related to and don't consider family. In fact, I do my best to be as nice and polite as possible. But I don't consider them family. I'm actually not "friends" on FaceBook with some of my aunts. uncles, and even a sibling because I don't consider them family. Harsh, I know. But if I am treated poorly by someone I am not going to just lay down and take it. I deserve better than that. If you are constantly rude, condescending and say/do things to hurt me? Yeah, it's safe to say that I don't consider you family.
Now that I have sort of given you my definition of family, I want to hear yours.
Comment and tell me what "family" is to you!
