Why do some people think that if you aren't blood related to someone, that means that you can't be family?

Question

They say that you can't possibly call someone your family unless you are blood related (not talking about in-laws).

Answer 1

The word family is defined as "a social unit living together" or "an association of people who share common beliefs or activities" eg a church family. When a woman adopts a child, legally, that child becomes a part of her family. Similarly, foster children become a part of their foster parents family. So there you have it. You do not have to be blood related to be a part of a family. Guess those people were refering to biological family but as you can see there are many different types of family. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

if u study the word family u will c that u do not have 2 b blood related to b family that's y i like 2 use 3 different sources if i am 2 get the true meaning of a word.

Answer 3

You can call them and consider them whatever it is you want to call them. If you have someone in your life for a long time, and really care about them the same as your own family and they care about you, then that's family. It's the love and support that you get from others that make them your family. What about adoptions and marriages? Those people are your family, and in some cases it isn't possible to have an adoption or a marriage (like with your best friend who has their own family) but if you still feel the same about them, they that's what makes them family

Answer 4

Thats a good question. I think that they dont see it as family unless you are blood related but the thing is your not 'blood ' related to like your 10cousin or something

Answer 5

In general, siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings share more DNA than cousins. In general. People do not like the truth, even though the truth will set them free. The truth is that siblings can share from almost 0% of their DNA to almost 100%, in the case of identical twins. A first cousin shares about 12.5% of a person's DNA, so most of the time a sibling will definitely share more; even a half-sibling or step-sibling. Most of the time, but not always. You do NOT get anyone's blood; DNA is passed down from one generation to another. Look at this site: it is GENEalogy. It is your parent's genes that make you you. But, it is up to you to use what you got. A silly quarrel about cousins, sisters, etc. belittles each of you and your parents.

Answer 6

You can call them anything you want. But by definition, family means related by blood or by marriage. I know what you are saying, however. I have a friend whom I "love like a sister."

Answer 7

Some think it's because family is your only family. Others are jealous because they don't have friends that are that close. Others are just ... well, they're weird.

I have four biological sisters and two "brothers". I've called them that for a very long time.

Your blood family is something you can't control, but your family--your network--is yours for the choosing.

Answer 8

You don’t have to be related to be related. I call this lady aunty because she’s been a really good friend of the family before I was born so I think it’s just respectful to acknowledge her.

Answer 9

My family considers anyone close to us to be family whether their related or not. My nephews have friends that come over and call my mother "Nanni Di" just like she was their grandmother and no one thinks a thing, we're just all glad they grew up to be okay and married and had their own kids. We consider it an honor to have them as extended family.

Answer 10

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but, of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.
Richard Bach