What Family Means to Me

The term family is a much more complex and unique term than many people may initially think. The textbook definition of a family is a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit or the descendants of a common ancestor. While these definitions are factual, family cannot be constrained to a single description because it looks unique for everyone. 

The way you define your family is up to you. All families come in different shapes and sizes, ever changing and unique. Many people tend to limit their families to immediate members; their mom, dad, guardians, brothers, and sisters. But why should we limit our family to a single unit of people? For me, a family is a collection of people that make you feel safe, comfortable, and “at home”.

This can consist of bloodline family, chosen family, friends, pets, neighbors, or even strangers you have met on the street that you have become so close with, that over time you start seeing them as family. Some of my closest friends have become part of my family because of the many years we have spent together and the memories we have made. These people are the ones that I want to confide in, I’m not afraid to show my true personality to, and the people that genuinely care and make me laugh. These people are the ones that I want to call when something amazing happens and who I want to call when I’m having a bad day and need someone to talk to.

Some of my closest friends have become part of my family because of the many years we have spent together and the memories we have made.

There are also many different types of families. For example, there are home families, school families, sports families, club families, extended families, online families, and many more. Some of these communities may be closer than others, each with different values, but in the end they are all groups of people who truly care about each other. For me personally, there are three underlying values, among other things, that make my family a family. 

The first value is honesty. Honesty is necessary for a healthy relationship and an important value for any household. I believe that the first step to gaining someone's trust is being honest with them and yourself. Being honest with yourself helps you establish what you can and cannot handle physically, emotionally, and socially. This then allows you to be honest with others and helps to establish a good relationship.

The second value that I believe is important to defining my family is kindness and respect. Kindness and respect may be considered very obvious values, however, they are sometimes the hardest to consistently maintain. Simple actions like giving a hug, a compliment, doing a small favor, or anything that could make their day a little bit better can go a long way. Additionally, having mutual respect for each other is very important. Establishing a strong mutual respect and understanding can bring people very close together and provides an opportunity for people to open up. 

The final value that I see in my family is love. Just like the term family, love can mean many different things for many different people. However, for me love is a feeling that no matter what happens good or bad, you will always feel a deep connection and affection towards these people. Additionally, this love goes along with accepting who they are and what they strive to be. Loving these people no matter what is what can make a family.