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How do you define family, and how have you come into that understanding? In other words, what does family mean to you--and why?  What makes for a family? What relationship, if any, is there between marriage and family today?

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To me, family means a group of people who love, support, and care for each other. They're the ones who are there for you through thick and thin, and you can always count on them. Family isn't just about blood relations, it's about the bond and connection you share with someone. As for how I came to understand this, it's through my own experiences and seeing the love and support within my own family. It's also through hearing stories from friends and learning about different types of families.

Marriage can be a part of family, but it's not the only way to create one. Families can be formed through adoption, blended families, or even close friendships. It's more about the love and connection between people rather than a specific legal or marital status. In a family, some important values include love, respect, trust, communication, and support. These values help create a strong and healthy bond within the family. They promote understanding, empathy, and cooperation among family members.

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Defining family can be a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. My understanding of family is rooted in love, care, and mutual support, evolving through personal experiences and extending beyond biological ties to include chosen relationships. This understanding has evolved through personal experiences and observations of diverse familial structures. A family is defined by emotional connections rather than solely by biological ties or legal institutions, encompassing chosen relationships that provide love, care, and support. Today, families are formed through various means beyond marriage, such as cohabitation, adoption, and blended arrangements, indicating a societal shift towards inclusivity and recognizing diverse family structures.

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Regarding defining a family, I have two immediate definitions. One of them is that family are the people that you are related to whether immediately or by extension through other family members. The other definition is that family include many people in an established familial relationship other than by biological means. Ultimately whether through biological relation or not, families can be created and exist in many forms. Even so, families should be able to care for the people involved in the familial relationship and have strong connections with these people. People part of a family should feel like they are welcomed by other members and feel like they are in a safe space where they can have trust and support from others.

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I define family as the people you surround yourself with and have an emotional connection to. The common phrase “family is what you make it” probably best describes my understanding of the concept. I think I’ve developed this kind of understanding of what family is by examining the family relationships/dynamics in my own family and seeing the different ways families develop. I was raised in an all-women household, raised by my mom and grandma who I view as parental figures in my life. While I am related genetically to my father, he played no part in my raising and was absent from my life. While typically individuals associate homes where there isn’t a present as inherently incomplete and suboptimal for a child’s development, I don’t view it that way. As a child, I had no desire to meet with my father and seldom, my entire life paid attention to his existence, so there was no longing for a male role model in my life. My grandma played (and still does) a very large role in my life, more than filling in the gap that may have been left by an absent father. I think what a child needs, for ideal development, is (at least) two parental figures. I don’t think the makeup/identity of those people matters, it could be grandparents, 2 moms, 2 dads, or whatever, and I think the child will have the space to thrive. I’ve seen children of gay couples or grandparents grow up to be well-functioning adults who seem to be very content with their lives, which is the most important thing. I think it’s also important to recognize the reasons why individuals develop entire families long after they are young. For many people, they may develop deep connections with other people around them, becoming brothers/sisters. This can happen when joining a group (sorority/gang/close-knit group) or because they have none (orphaned). Some people will cut off family members due to abuse of them or another person close to them. As for Marriage, it can serve as a connection between two families. While the reasons for marriage now are different than it has been historically, it still serves as a connection. Married couple’s families are then treated as related through their connection to the bride and groom. While they are called in-laws, they are still valued as being similar to their non-in-law counterparts.

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From my view, my family is the collective of people who I am bounded to by love, and I give them my mutual support and care. They are the people I can depend on to stand by my side with their unwavering loyalty, a sentiment that I return wholeheartedly. I believe that family transcends the closed off idea that it is a matter of biological ties, it is beyond that; it is the profound connections and bonds shared between people. People aren’t any more or less family based on their marriage or whether they got into the family by adoption, even, but rather it is about whether they are a part of the chain that makes up these indestructible connections. There is a relationship between family and marriages today, as marriages are often the main source of interpersonal connections that families stem from. Families don’t just rise from marriage; however, they can also be a creation stemming from adoption, and an unfathomably deep connection between people, which places emphasis on the emotional connection between individuals rather than what they are in terms of the law or other societal structures.

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Defining family is very complex, intense and personal to me. Despite the societal idea that family is built of love, trust, and loyalty-- I do not entirely agree. In my opinion, there is an extent. This is not to say I do not love or appreciate my family but I also think the term emotional connection varies for people and for me, it does not need to be all that strong for family to exist. Family to me is like unwritten and unspoken love, care, effort, sacrifice, and protection. For example, my father is still present in my life but emotionally absent. Therefore that "emotional connection" lacks. However, it's the little things that make me acknowledge his efforts in fatherhood. Things like taxes, bills, buying groceries, scolding me on safety-- it feels "minor" or a "given" but I know it stems from love although we don't communicate in a way that expresses such care. (Though of course this is my definition.) I don't mention loyalty as an instant trait because I also believe that blood is not always thicker than water. I realized this when 1) I witnessed infidelity between my parents. And 2) I grew up to have different morals than the ones my parents were teaching me. The aftermath of the infidelity was super puzzling. I had this expectation that my parents would just be divorced and my family would be "broken." But I distinctly remember how surprising quick they were to forgive each other in order to "save" the family. So although all trust was lost, they still agreed on one thing; keeping the family alive. My understanding of the relationship between marriage and family changed after that. It demonstrated to me such cordialness and sacrifice that I had not yet been aware of.

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I define family as individuals who ensure a child's holistic growth into adulthood by offering essential support. This support includes not just financial stability and a roof over their head, but also emotional nurturing and guidance. Family isn't limited to biological ties; rather, it's the willingness to undertake the role of a caregiver that truly defines what it means to be a family.

I've noticed a trend among many women opting not to marry or have children, and for those who do desire such commitments, there are often non-negotiable standards in place. One common expectation is that potential partners must possess stable, high-income jobs, which isn't always feasible. If a larger portion of the male population earned between $120-150k annually, I believe more women might be inclined to start families. However, it's not just about financial stability; emotional intelligence is also crucial. Unfortunately, many men lack one or both of these qualities, presenting a challenge for those seeking both financial security and emotional connection in a partner. I've noticed another emerging trend where women are increasingly reluctant to have children with men unless they are married first. Additionally, there's a pattern of women ending relationships after a certain duration if their partners haven't proposed marriage.

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Family, in my opinion, is more about bonding and emotional ties than it is about biological relations. Having grown up in a multicultural environment, I was exposed to a wide variety of family structures, which influenced my conception of a family as any collection of people who genuinely care about, support, and love one another. No matter how a family is established, to me it is a secure haven where members are cherished and welcomed. Marriage's function in defining a family has changed over time, especially as social conventions have changed. Marriage is no longer required to formally establish the ties that make up a family; it is simply one of several options. Whether or whether marriage is involved, shared responsibilities and experiences help people form familial bonds. As a result, although marriage might deepen family ties, what really makes a family special is its foundation of love and support.

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Family is a unit that can be defined in many ways, depending on the context. In a biological sense, a family consists of individuals who share genetic ties. However, the concept of family extends beyond biological or legal ties. It can also refer to a group of people who share a bond of mutual affection, support, and commitment, regardless of their biological or legal connections.My understanding of family comes from both personal experiences a strong bond of love, respect, and mutual support so that can be biological, adoption,legally or sometimes friendship. Marriage is often associated with family because it is a social institution that legally and socially binds two individuals together, often with the intention of starting a family. However, it's important to note that a family can exist without marriage. For example, single-parent families, cohabiting couples, and families formed through adoption or fostering are all valid forms of family that may not involve marriage.

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Family to me is a bond of love, support, and shared experiences people who may or may not be related by blood. It's about unconditional acceptance and being there for each other through thick and thin. Marriage can be a part of family, but it's not the sole defining factor. Family can encompass a wide range of relationships beyond just marriage, including friendships, chosen families, and more.

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Family can be defined by people who share deep emotional bonds, care and love for one another. Family can be defined more than the simple fact that you're related by blood, i.e. a friend, a mentor, a lover, etc. Family to me, means someone who unconditionally loves you. Someone who is loyal, shows mutual respect, and caters a sense of significance towards your belonging. Family provides a sense of support as well, they’re there for you on your journey, your ups and downs and your lowest of times. I also believe family can be defined by the idea of trust. Especially when you're going through life and its uncertainty, having people you can trust is a key characteristic in my book that defines family. You trust in them, you listen to them, you even are influenced by them. Family fulfills more than the essential role of a care provider. It's a foundation of people who provide a support system that helps one's lifetime. The relationship fostered between marriage and family today has evolved from the known legal paper form of upbringing of kids to a newer sort of upbringing of family such as adoption, cohabitation and blending families. Ultimately, family is people who show and provide and cater a sense of love and care for your life, whether it be your legal blood like your mother or a friend.

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Family to me is people who give you unconditional love, loyalty, and support. It's built on trust and respect, they don't have to share blood. They are always there when you need them as well as creating long-lasting bonds. Marriage is just this legal documentation to connect two but people don't need to be married to create a family. Families can be the ones you are born into, adoption, blended, and friendships. These varied family structures push stereotypes about what makes a "normal" or "ideal" family by reflecting a wide range of people's beliefs, interests, and life decisions.

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The way that I would define family is a deeply connected group of individuals that can be both related or not and have such a platonic relationship of having love and understanding for one another and that family is always something that you can rely on whenever you may need that emotional support and that a person can be their most truest self without having a fear of being judged for it we all do the best that we can for each other and to try and give advice and guidance for one another to try and navigate the difficulties and complexities of Life. People don’t need to be related by blood to be a family as long as you hold a deep form of understanding for one Another and help lift another up. some families can choose to not be married but still have children or can be a traditional nuclear family or have more than just two children. As long as a family is able to give one another the support love and care to one another than that is what can be counted as a family

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Family is a group of people who share a strong emotional bond and a sense of belonging. It can include close relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members. To me, family is a group of people who love and support each other unconditionally. What makes for a family is ultimately up to the individuals involved. Marriage is becoming increasingly diverse, and people can create families through adoption, surrogacy, and co-parenting. Ultimately, individuals should have the freedom and support to create the kind of family that works best for them.

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To me, when I think of family I think of unconditional love and a sense of security. This doesn't necessarily have to do with blood relations or a line of ancestry, it's more so about bonds with different people that may not be related to you. These connections aren't always perfect, as there is no rainbow without a little bit of rain, but theres a sense of understanding and compassion that allows room for error and reconciliation. A family can go through some of the worst possible things, but as long as they go through it together they might be able to come out the other end feeling stronger. I don't believe marriage and family really have a relationship anymore, as there are people who get married for business or other purposes besides love. There are also people who have been married for years yet still abandon their families or cheat. If I had to say there was a relationship between them, it would be the intermingling of families when two people get married.

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Family, to me, is a close-knit group of people who are united by love, support, and shared experiences. It is not only about blood relations, but also about emotional bonds and mutual care. I've come to understand this through my observations of different cultures, literature, and personal experiences.What defines a family is a shared commitment to each other's well-being, whether through blood ties, adoption, or chosen relationships. It is about fostering a sense of belonging and security.
Marriage has historically been closely associated with family, as it is frequently viewed as the foundation for starting one. However, the relationship between marriage and family has evolved over time. Some families are formed through marriage, while others are formed through adoption, foster care, or even close friendships. Marriage can still be an important part of family life for many people, but it is not the only way to establish a family unit.

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Family, to me, means a close group of people who care for and support each other. It's not just about blood relations but also about the bonds we form with those we choose to be close to. What makes a family is the love and commitment shared among its members. I consider the friends I have made along the way to be my family. I truly love them the same way I love my blood related family members. While marriage has often been associated with starting a family, today, families can take many forms, and marriage isn't always a part of it. What matters most is the strong connections and support system within the family, whether it's formed through marriage, adoption, or other relationships.

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Family, in my opinion, is made up of the people you meet along the way as well as the ones you are born with. My idea of family is anyone you can be with and feel safe and secure around, whether they are individuals you can completely trust or just people you can be around. Family doesn't always have to be biological; it can also include friends you made in the second grade who grow up to be your siblings. The people you also produce make up a family. Tying the knot with someone you met and want to be with forever, as well as creating individuals with that somebody. As previously noted, marriages can generate families, but that does not imply that's where families originate.

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I see family as two things, those related to me by blood and those who are the closest to me and that I can trust with almost anything. Of course, those two definitions can intertwine but I have seen many examples in which you cannot trust information to your own family members and you cannot trust your own family to have the best interests for you. Family is something that is built upon sweat, smiles, tears, and even anger. People who are your family are people that can criticize you healthily but will still have your back and vibe with you at anytime. If you are able to grow and be brought up by those around you, that is your family. I would say family and marriage doesn't exactly have a relationship other than if you and the person you are married to want to start a family related by blood.

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To me, family means a group of people who love, support and uplift each other. No matter what happens family should stick together. Those people are the ones who has your back, whether you're in a good space or not. They should be the people you go to first if you are dealing with a situation, especially if its life or death. From my own understanding and really my experience with it, I get a whole other different definition. Does my family support me, yes, they do. Would I call them if I need help with a life or dealt situation, that is questionable for some of them. Due to certain issues that has happened in the past and what I be witnessing with a few of my family members, I don't believe they would help me if I need serious help.

A relationship between a marriage is you are one. There is that phrase that says, "there is no I in team". That is basically marriage in one sentence. In a few sentences, marriage is you and your partner are now a team. No matter what you guys go through that should be the person you cry to, vent to, protect, and the list goes on. Not a lot of marriages show that today, but a few does. In family, you guys are all a team, because now there is children involve. Both parents should be present in their children lives so they can set a good example to their kids. It doesn't matter whether you got divorce or not, make sure your child doesn't end up in that position.

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Family to me is a group of people whom I truly love and will always confide in. Those who I know will always support me and my decisions. Who will always be happy for me and help me in anything I struggle with. Love and communication make a family because one truly has to feel a deep connection with another but also understand the person. They have to know what the person is trying to say. Marriage today is less common to be seen, it can differ but many could be afraid of commitment or just don’t see marriage as necessary. Additionally, the topic of family can also be less common because some would rather not have kids or a partner, thus deciding to live a single life. They can decide to live their own life, without worrying about others.