Dear Reader,

We as humans often find ways to categorize things into groups or under umbrella terms because they are similar to things we see around us. Words like soup, tall and fluffy all can be applied to multiple things, sometimes things others wouldn't believe fall under them (Cereal is soup, the 5'6 man is tall, etc.). That is how I see the word 'family'.

Family can be blood related people you see on holidays, they can be close friends you grew up with, they can be pets you've known for years, coworkers, teachers, family can be almost anything. But what I ask is, how do we classify family like relationships from ordinary friendships? How do we understand and differentiate family from friends, and where do the lines blur?

From researching and reading, I've come to the conclusion that there are many ways! We can notice familial values being applied, health benefits gained from closer friends, etc. Being around this friend makes me feel supported and cared for, being around this friend makes me feel like I'm at home, safe. The little things and the big things can define a relationship. And whether you grew up with this person or they started working with you a few days ago, it's up to you who you consider family.

Best Regards,

Evelyn Headley