How do You define family?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

This is how I do.......found on Facebook:

[olddots]

1. I consider the whole planet a family

It may be dysfunctional but we have to do our part to hold it together.

That sounds corny but that's the way I feel about family.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Since our family is so dysfunctional, all the more need for us to hang together...

I don't think it's corny at all...

[Spitfire of ATJ]

3. Ever notice the whole "Family Values" crowd was all about inherited wealth?

[Arkansas Granny]

4. That's beautiful.

[In_The_Wind]

5. That is why I call DU my family.

[loli phabay]

6. blood or anyone married in and their blood by extension

Theres very definite rules what determines who is family, but I guess each person can set their own boundries.

[Bertha Venation]

7. Love makes a family. n/t

[rrneck]

8. I would have to disagree with that sentiment, beautiful as it is.

Genetics define family. I don't think we need to extend the definition of family beyond that. A relationship depends on blood in the case of family, whether you like them or can even tolerate them. That is a relationship that is as old as the species.

I would like to see the the term "friend" reconsidered in our culture. I think the term friend should assume a much more involved social contract. Choosing a friend that assumes real responsibilities to that person is an important bridge from family to "tribe". If we took the term friend as seriously as I think we should, the sense of anomie in our culture would be lessened.

As it stands today friends are little more than a lifestyle accessory.

[Wounded Bear]

9. Not sure, really, but I know blood or genes don't cut it....

as a "first and only" designation.

Blood relatives are often the most evil toward each other, while "acquantences" often surprise with their support and love.

For me, it has to be more about intangibles than just physical relations. I suppose that comes from my childhood and life experiences.

Aren't most murders commited by "family" members?

[talkingmime]

10. Hey, girl. I define it as my pack, herd, whatever you want to call it.

I'm the alpha male and the pack changes day to day, but they're all welcome. They're all family, blood relations or not. Friendship is family. If my daughters have friends, or their friends have friends, they're all family to me. If we can't accept each other on that basis, what has become of our society?

I'm still the alpha male.