what are your views on family?

When I was around 4 years old, my parents were separated so my mother had to be a single parent. There was lots of dysfunction in our family, lots of stress, arguments between my parents because they simply just can't get along. Even today, they still act the same way and haven't changed. However In spite of all of that, they've tried to make things work for the sake of both myself and my sister even in the rough times. In terms of like relationship-wise with my own family? I'd probably say that I'm close with my mom though we don't always agree and sometimes argue. I've had a so-so relationship with my sister. I sort of regret that we didn't get along all that well as it could've been, but nowadays it's definitely better than the past. I used to look up to my father when I was a kid. There was a ton of good moments and not so good moments. But once I hit my teenager years there was a lot of distance between us. The relationship between my mother and him seemed to get more worse over the years that I just no longer wanted anything to do with him. I then realized later down the road that it was just I was mad at both of my parents because of how stubborn they can be. In any case, I decided to just let all of that go since he's the only father I've got. We're starting to slowly patch things up these days. Overall though, I do think family is important. Sure, there will be arguments and stress in every family but they're the only family you've got whether or not you see eye to eye or have a good relationship with them. XP Oh yeah, almost forgot, as for starting my own family I don't think now is the best time for it. The economy is pretty bad as it is.

My impression of this forum so far https://i.imgur.com/mdTMcsv.jpg

Family has a huge influence on your life : 3 if they treat you like trash there's no reason to like them but if they work hard for you and treat you right appreciate what you have or had

When you're born in the world, family is all you got. Whether you care for your parents or hate them, you wouldn't be around without them. Whether you like your family or you don't, that won't take away the blood you share. A person has two kinds of family in their lives. The one you are born with and the one's you choose, neither are more important than the other, but neither are they the same. In the end only you can choose how thick your blood runs, how important that tie is. Personally, I'd do anything for my family, even if they can be stubborn and irritating at times. Parents, brother, niece and nephew, cousins, we all share that same blood and ancestry. You can't choose that, you can't change that, whether you respect and cherish it or not is your choice. No matter the strife or bad blood, if your family is worth anything they'd be there for you when the shit hit's the fan. I'll have a family of mine own at some point, when I feel like I'm in a more stable living condition. I enjoy kids, and there's few bonds like a child with their parents. Plus having a legacy no matter what the kid/s make of it is never a bad thing either, rather not be the last of my line.

I love all my family, but we've all become a bit estranged. It's not so bad that it weighs upon me. I consider them my family, but we're just not very close emotionally. I've only been in one serious relationship with a girl, but I would say I held that bond a LOT closer than I did with my own family. I believe family is truly what you make it, and if your family isn't being right to you, there is absolutely no sentiment or family 'bond' that should keep you held there.

It depends. It's a personal thing, some people have a wonderful family relationship and connection, and others, not so much. I don't feel people should have to deal with negative, fucked up people just because they're related. What really is the difference from your family you were born with and the strong bond you have with your closest friends, a significant other, etc? I've met a lot of people, myself included, that know next to nothing personal about their more distant family members, or even close ones! Your closest friends, significant other, etc. get to know so much about you and become like family because of the strong bond you share with them.