Two nights ago I heard an angry voice say: “I wish I never had a family”. The next morning I realized it was one of the teenagers in the neighborhood, there was a little conflict at home. He left home after that statement and the parents were worried the next day. Though, he returned at the end of the day filled with apologies for his parents. I guess someone talked some sense into his teenage skull.
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
He might have said that out of anger, but come to think of it, this means he regrets been born. The reality is if he didn’t have a family he wouldn’t be who he is today.
It is true that the people that are closest to us can hurt us the most.
"My mother used to tell me that when push comes to shove, you always know who to turn to. That being a family isn't a social construct but an instinct."
By default, we trust people in our household explicitly. When someone says they are “family” we open the door to our hearts, our most precious and valued possession. We give our love, time, and other resources to them.
Unfortunately, the family can be the source of the most pain one can ever endure in life. A type of pain that could make you physically, emotionally, and mentally ill. It robs you of all joy and peace. It can be literally draining.
Family whether it’s the one we are born into or the one that chose us or the one we chose it’s so important to preserve your emotion and mental health in all situations. We can’t wish our families away but we can do things to preserve our peace of mind in times of conflict and challenges.
"So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty."
Every good parent strives to make decisions in the best interest of the child. No parent is perfect and none will let you do anything you want. They may be strict doesn’t mean they don’t love you or care about you.
Very nice article. Having a family is great but can be draining at times