Friday, September 2, 2011

What is "Family"?

Lately I've been wondering what a family is.
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! 

2 comments:

  1. Totally agree. My father has been nothing but a sperm donor to me, and I'm supposed to believe that statement? Hell no. My husband is my best friend and we're not related, and I consider a few of my best friends sisters. I bet that being so close to Justin and Stacy has really opened your eyes to finding YOUR definition of "family" :)

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  2. Family to me is the people who are there for you, spend time with you and care about you. My "family" is less and less like this but I have made my own family that consists of friends and family that actually act like my family.

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