Yesterday TPP had lunch with an in-law family member who was having one of those significant “0” birthdays. This family member lives in a different country and TPP does not see them much at all, so lunch was a rare chance to catch up, reminisce and make some new memories!
But the saying “you can chose your friends but you can’t choose your family” came to mind as lunch progressed. There were family members around the table that would not have talked to each other or be friends in any other situation than a family gathering. But they had to be there as it was, well you know, a member of their family who was having an important birthday that they were not allowed to miss.
The beliefs, lifestyles and values between the different people at the table were so far apart that it was hard to believe they were related – but then maybe not hard to believe as every person is unique in their own way and a family is just a group of unique individuals who just happen to be related.
The food was delicious, the conversation was fun and robust but, as with many families, there were some topics that were taboo to avoid a family feud starting.
All in all a great time was had by everyone there.
Your homework is to ponder on your own family and how they interact with each other. Who would you still be in contact with if they were not part of your family and who would you avoid?
Ponder away!
