Great article, thanks for sharing! I think some import context is the decline of other social institutions -- unions, churches, societies/fraternities, and now for some, workplaces. We have fewer places where we are consistently exposed to the same people, and fewer institutions providing the social scaffolding that families can also provide. This might contribute to loneliness, and make "chosen families" harder to achieve.
Well said and definitely food for thought. I have a foot in both worlds, and was a part of the nuclear family. My husband and self, two sons. My husband has passed after nearly 40byrs of marriage. My parents are gone. One son is gone. My sisters live 2.5 hours away. My chosen family/ friends have helped me to survive. To open up to trusting others, and learning how to live "solo"
Thought-provoking article, for sure. While I can only speak second-hand about LBTGQ experiences, as a Misfit Toy, I bonded early on in life with other misfits.
There will never be a substitute for my parents, but I have two "chosen" brothers who I'm much closer to than my one "nuclear" brother. We've not lived close to each other for 20+ years but I chat with them daily, talk with them regularly, and we've never been far away during major life events.
The most important thing is being able to choose which way you go, and so far I'm happy with my choices.
I hear you. We're lucky, you and I have, having friends we can rely on. They really are the most important thing in my world, hands down (other than Michael).
Great article! We have a trans daughter. It is easy for the younger generations then ours; we are in our 50’s and grandparents really struggle. Both of our kids have ALWAYS BEEN TOLD, we love you no matter what and your job as our child is to grow up and become a contributing member of society. They each separately added this too English and ir college papers over the years. Thank you for being you!
Great article, thanks for sharing! I think some import context is the decline of other social institutions -- unions, churches, societies/fraternities, and now for some, workplaces. We have fewer places where we are consistently exposed to the same people, and fewer institutions providing the social scaffolding that families can also provide. This might contribute to loneliness, and make "chosen families" harder to achieve.
These are all good points. Weirdly, "social media" is giving us the illusion of community even when there isn't any. And thanks! ♥️
Well said and definitely food for thought. I have a foot in both worlds, and was a part of the nuclear family. My husband and self, two sons. My husband has passed after nearly 40byrs of marriage. My parents are gone. One son is gone. My sisters live 2.5 hours away. My chosen family/ friends have helped me to survive. To open up to trusting others, and learning how to live "solo"
Thank you, Carla! I'm glad you've found the friends you need. We should all be so lucky!
Thought-provoking article, for sure. While I can only speak second-hand about LBTGQ experiences, as a Misfit Toy, I bonded early on in life with other misfits.
There will never be a substitute for my parents, but I have two "chosen" brothers who I'm much closer to than my one "nuclear" brother. We've not lived close to each other for 20+ years but I chat with them daily, talk with them regularly, and we've never been far away during major life events.
The most important thing is being able to choose which way you go, and so far I'm happy with my choices.
I hear you. We're lucky, you and I have, having friends we can rely on. They really are the most important thing in my world, hands down (other than Michael).
Outstanding You don't truly understand your own country/family/home until you leave them. Cordially, Bill
Thanks! Those words are EXTREMELY true.
Great article! We have a trans daughter. It is easy for the younger generations then ours; we are in our 50’s and grandparents really struggle. Both of our kids have ALWAYS BEEN TOLD, we love you no matter what and your job as our child is to grow up and become a contributing member of society. They each separately added this too English and ir college papers over the years. Thank you for being you!
Thanks! Sounds like you guys deserve a lot of credit too. ♥️♥️♥️