What is it that makes a family a family?

Question

Over time some things change and some things don't. I never know when my assumptions about the world might be off.

Another way you might think of this question is, in this day and age who belongs to a family and why are they considered a part of a family?

Answer 1

Family is what you make it. A family doesn't follow set criteria. Right now, my family consists of myself, my children, parents and sister.

Answer 2

Wow the answer to your question could be so huge.

I don't think people truely even start to grasp what makes their family a family until they come close enough to lose it to really see the big picture.

It isn't as simple as one word or one emotion. It is everything. Your house that you make a home, your daily schedules melding together, the way you may let the kids lick the mixers when making desert, nighttime rituals, group hugs, mutual frustrations, arguments, hating and loving within the same hour, goals, wants, toys in the yard, laughter, high water bills when the kids leave the water on outside, missing the kids when they're gone for more then a day or two despite the high water bill you were just mad about, rediscovering things the way your spouse or children see them.

I could go on for hours about what makes a family a family. But the answer to such a question could never be as simple as just marraige or just love. It's way bigger.

Maybe if everyone would step back and really look at what makes their family a family and what they love about the people that make their family happen they wouldn't be so quick to be discontent with their families.

Answer 3

For me, family is about loyalty. You have only 1 true family and the way I was brought up is - you are always there for each other. Loyalty means that you defend those who are in the line of fire, you stand by them whether you agree with their choices or not, you help to provide for them when they can't themselves.

However, when loyalty exists within one and not others, you can only be loyal for so long before you simply turn your back to them. This is unfortunately what I believe is happening more and more often. People don't realize what they have within a family that offers such a wonderful trait until it's gone. Some are kind enough to try again, others utilize hard love tactics and make them learn from thier mistakes.

To anyone who reads this and either has children, or is thinking of starting a family, please, realize that loyalty is a trait that most don't have today and needs to be instilled. Children learn from you, be the example they need and let them know that you always stand by them, even if you don't believe in what they are doing, your support never waivers, and always be there to come to their defense when they need you.

Answer 4

A family is a family when regardless of age difference, geographical difference, time span and blood ties the members are able to laugh, cry, argue, reconcile and defend each other against this world all in the space of a few minutes. A family is a family when the love shared between its members survives even death.

Answer 5

People who care about one another, support one another and have unconditional love. Accepting someone for who they are and supporting them for what they want to be. Any group of people can form a family unit, this is formed in the heart not in the blood. We call it the extended family which is made up of very close friends that we are committed to. One good thing about families is there's no limit on how many there can be.

Answer 6

I think anybody that are close to you that you feel you can just poor your heart out to and act like you are two years old and just feel comfortable around. Most of all you would do anything in the world for them including taking the shirt off your back or taking a bullet for them.

We consider people are our family for one hbecause they really are related to us or to becuse we are that close to them.

Answer 7

Well...

1- serious care, and non-stop attention to all members of family.
2- sticking to gether wrong or right
3- Love and love and love UN conditionally, no reason at all
4- support and lifting up everyday every min
5- sharing good times, not every one alone in his world
6- presents for no reason at all, kiss , or i miss you hugs
7- accepting differences and understanding big time
8- correcting and guiding
9- easing pains tenderly and with big big warm heart.
10-giving with no expecting anything back..

if every memeber of the family did this, the whole family is happy.

may god help us to be this member.

Answer 8

When you feel you belong to them, no matter how stupid or goofy you can get, they will unconditionally love you. A group of friends can be considered a family too...Someone you feel safe and comfortable with...

Answer 9

Tendering Loving Care...

Answer 10

A family is like a pecan pie, just enough sugar to hold the nuts together