"Family" VS Family

"Blood is thicker than water."

"You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family."

Just a few phrases I have often heard growing up. We were raised that your "Family" are the ones that are directly related to you. "Family" is blood. Eh- I have a different opinion on the matter.

In the past, I don't know, ten years, I have come up with my own definition as to what "Family" is. In today's society we have stretched so many different words in to meaning different things. How many people do we call our friends? With the invention of social media outlets like Facebook, we can be "friends" with whomever sends you a friend request, regardless of ever meeting them in person. It's just a popularity contest anymore. I'm guilty of the "Oooo, he looks cute" add, but we all have those people in our list that we look at them and go "Who the fuck?" The word friend is thrown around so much anymore.

Which brings me back to this week's topic. I have a lot of "friends" who I met at bars a million years ago, but then I have that core group of people who are true friends to me. They are what I consider my true "Family". In my head my family consists of people who I'm directly related to like my sister, my aunt, my cousins (all of whom I love dearly) and can't picture myself without. Then I have people in my "Family" who aren't blood but they might as well be. I have a few girl friends who I truly think of them as my sisters (you know who you are!). There is nothing I can't ask them and I know there is a plethora of things they would do for me that I know some of my "Family" would just scoff at. I also have my future husband. Even though it's only been one month shy of a year, I can't picture my family without him.

They say "blood is thicker than water". I don't know about you, but blood is kinda gross, and I don't really want blood in my water... fanks. That, and blood isn't always good for you. Blood carries so many diseases. I prefer to keep my own blood a pretty red and uncontaminated with some of the poison I have seen in so many other families.

I read an article the other day where two family members, as a punishment, made the young 9 year old Savannah Hardin run for three hours as a punishment for lying. Later the girl died from seizures brought on by dehydration. That's not family. Family sticks up for each other. Family doesn't question, they just love you.

I know full and well that I am loved by my Family. I know my sister would support me in anything I do. I know my girlfriends will always answer their phone to talk. I am so grateful for the Family I have been given, and the family that I chose because of the great love that I feel daily, even if I am- wait for it....

That1GayGuy