When individuals hear the term family they generally think about their parents and their siblings. Others will make sure that they include their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins within that mix as well. But, what is very important to remember is that these are not the only individuals that must be included when someone thinks about the word family. What about individuals that do not have any close living relatives? Does that mean that they are without any family? It really depends on how that term is defined. The rest of this article will examine a few common ways of looking at the word family in order to determine who really does make up your family. You may be amazed at just how many family members you really do have.
First, and foremost, it is very important to take the time to consider what your family does for you. Many people will tell you that their family is a support for them. They can rely on the members of their family when they are having a rough time, or they are struggling and need something. So, if you consider this a very important aspect of family you may want to spend some time thinking about the individuals around you that you may turn to for support. How often do you call on them when you need something? Are they really reliable for you? Would you consider this person a member of your family? Maybe this person is really there for you much more than someone in your immediate family. This may mean the world to you.
Next, many people will tell you that they can talk to their family members and tell them all of their problems and concerns. They know that this information will not be shared with others and their privacy will be respected at all costs. Now, do you have any friends that you can talk to in the same manner? Do you tell these individuals more than you tell your own, immediate family members? Would you consider this person a part of your family?
Finally, take some time to think about what you actually do for your family members. Are you there for them when they are struggling? Do you go out of your way in order to help them and keep them safe? Do you listen to their problems and keep the things that they tell you very close to you? Do you have friends that you would do the same things for? These individuals may be closer to you than many of your family members.
It can be very difficult for some individuals to feel like they have a family to turn to if they are an only child, or their loved ones have passed away. However, this article has shown that everyone has a family that will love and support them if they look hard enough. The only thing that really matters is the way that the term family is defined. Therefore, it may only be necessary to change the way that this word is defined in order to identify the members in your family.
