Family is a loving, nurturing, group of people that have your best interest at heart. Sometimes it includes biological family and sometimes it doesn’t.  There is family of origin and family of choice.  Not all biological family members are necessarily loving and nurturing. 

It is important to only expect from individuals what they have to give.  If we go to people in our lives that are not the most empathic for emotional support, we will be disappointed.  If we want emotional support, it is important that we go to someone we know is empathetic.  This may not be a biological family member.  This is true for other kinds of support as well.

Expecting love and nurturing from family solely based on biology sets individuals up for hurt feelings.  This is when individuals say things like, “mothers should take care of their children even when they are adults” or “fathers should never turn their back on their children”.  Using words like “should” in relation to expectations of others is an almost certain set up for both people to have disappointment.

Surround yourself with people who you know can support you in the way that is most beneficial to you.  These people can be family by biology or by choice or both.  It is wonderful to have family!  

Debbie Hackett

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”  By: Father Joseph Martin

For more info on family you can sign up for Addiction; A Family Disease. 

Link for registration: https://addictionafamilydisease.eventbrite.com/