just want to be close to someone

My family isn't the most perfect family out there. All those shows you see of loving families? Where at the end of the day everyone just kiss and make up and they all hug each other in bliss? Totally overrated. Maybe, it's just mine. Maybe, there really are families out there who hug each other in eternal bliss. I wouldn't know though, I've never seen one. My family has its own deep, dark secrets. More family drama than anyone else's I suppose. Seriously. And you thought Brothers & Sisters was bad enough. Welcome to mine. But I'm not here to talk about how crappy my family life has been. I'm here to talk about weighing family against friends.

Why do we turn to friends? Why do we even have friends? People say it's because it makes them seem pathetic and as though they don't have a life. Can you imagine how stupid you sound if you tell people you don't have friends? Yeah, scary. And frightening. Then there's the belief in the saying 'No man is an island.' But seriously, sometimes friends are there to share the burden you know you can't let your family know. It's simple, really. Why are there things we rather let our close friends know than our parents? The ones who actually raise us up, and feed us, and clothe us. They tend to use that argument against us, parents I mean. And we throw in back in their faces because there's some stuff that you really just don't want to talk to your parents about. I mean, come on. Imagine talking to your parents about your relationship problems. I bet some parents object to BGR in the first place. Some do talk to their parents, and they are the lucky few who have such families. But ultimately, friends are supposed to help us when our families can't.

Now we move on to our parents and siblings. Girls tend to have problems with the mother, and boys tend to have problems with the father. What with the whole expectations thing they keep shoving into your face. 'Girls should do this. Learn that.' 'Boys should not behave like this. Talk like that.' And the list just goes on and on and on. We say 'Screw it, ok? That is so yesterday.', and we hate it when they restrict us to certain actions because they think it's inappropriate for someone for our gender. But, don't forget. Your family is the group of people who will always be there to help you.... at the end of the day. No matter what trouble you cause, they will try to clear up the mess. Yes, your parents will probably yell for making them clean up after you. But that's what they do. And you need to appreciate them for it. Life is too short for you to be angry with everyone.

As mothers go, I know overbearing and overprotective. Probably one of the worst traits to have when we grow to the age where we desperately fight for our freedom. As fathers go, I know overprotective and sometimes, indecisive. People probably hate me now because they lost either one or both and here I am, with both and still complaining. We argue, we fight. We quarrel, we scream. At the end of the day, your parents will be the one there. For you. Still helping you in every way they can... until they take their last breath.

Well, I don't see the need to talk about siblings. I mean, no one should have problems communicating with them. If you do, it's ok to take a time-out. We all need one from time to time. Don't care if your parents keep preaching about the bonds of sisterhood or brotherhood. Take a step back, relax and clear your mind. Then only talk when you are ready. I know it's hard to make the first step because it means you lose. It means the other party has power. But you know, think about it as rising above it all. Being a better person. Might not be such a fancy idea at first but it works. And to all guys out there who have a sister, learn to appreciate them. Shove your chauvinistic attitude aside, chuck it down the drain. Whatever. Because when you get in touch with your feminine side and you definitely will, they can really help. A lot.

At the end of the day, when it comes down to it, all we really want, is to be close to somebody. So this thing where we all keep our distance and pretend not to care about each other? It’s usually a load of bull. So we pick and choose who we want to remain close to.

And once we’ve chosen those people, we tend to stick close by, no matter how much we hurt them. The people that are still with you at the end of the day... those are the ones worth keeping. And sure, sometimes close can be too close. But, sometimes that invasion of personal space… it can be exactly what you need.