Family Types

There are different types of families. There are the ones we are born into, our families of origin, and the families we are married into, the family of procreation. But I think that saying there are only those two main types of families is a very limited view. I consider my best friend part of my family even though she is not related to me in either way. We grew up together and feel we have the same sort of genetic ties as we would have with a sibling. We even have a legal bond considering that if anything ever happens to myself and my husband, her and her husband are the guardians of our children.

Personally I don’t think genetic ties have to be very strong. That sounds harsh, but as a person who does not speak to a sibling very often I can say that. It’s not that we dislike each other but we just don’t have very much in common. If we were not related we would not be friends because of our huge differences in personality and likes and dislikes. We grew up together and in the same house but just have two completely different outlooks on life.

When I think of who is in my family versus those not in my family I don’t necessarily look at blood ties or marriage ties first. I look at those that have been there for me and my family when things have been tough. Times when we need a hand up not a kick down. We do have relatives like that, my in laws to mention a few, but we also have friends that have done just as much for us, if not more. Family is just more than genetics, it’s those that love you for who you are and are supportive of your life and your choices.