How Do You Choose Family? The Power of Connection and Choice

Well, have you ever wondered how to choose family? You might think that family is just something you’re born into, something you don’t get a say in. But what if I told you that family can also be chosen? I know, it sounds a bit unconventional, but it’s true. Let me explain how this works and why it matters.

Family Isn't Just Blood: The Real Meaning

First, let's get something straight. Family doesn’t always have to mean blood relatives. I used to think that family was solely about your parents, siblings, or relatives—until I realized something profound: family can also be the people who choose to stand by you through thick and thin.

What Does Family Mean to You?

I remember a conversation I had with a close friend, Sam, who said, "I’ve got people who are closer to me than my blood relatives. They are the ones who truly support me." That struck me hard. What he was talking about wasn’t just a random friendship; it was a deeper connection, the kind that feels like family.

Why Should You Choose Family?

Choosing your family is empowering. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who nurture you, respect you, and make you feel safe. Honestly, I’ve seen so many people go through struggles with their biological families, yet find more joy and support in their friendships. I used to wonder, “Why is that?” But the truth is, family isn’t just about who you share a last name with—it’s about shared values, unconditional love, and mutual respect.

Emotional Support Beyond Bloodlines

If we’re being real, family can also be the ones who’ve been there for you when times were tough, even if you weren’t born into the same family. I have this aunt who’s more of a friend than a relative, and she’s supported me in ways that I never got from other people I’m supposed to be related to. And that’s okay! It’s about what feels right, what helps you grow.

Signs You're Choosing the Right Family

So how do you choose the right family? It’s not about picking people randomly. It’s about understanding the dynamics that foster real, meaningful connections. I’ll admit, this is tricky at times, and I’ve made mistakes along the way, but there are a few key things I’ve learned that can guide you in choosing your own family.

Trust and Honesty: Non-Negotiable

One of the first signs that you’ve found family in someone is trust. Honestly, without trust, there’s no solid foundation for a relationship. I had a falling out with a friend a few years ago because trust was broken, and I learned that, once trust is gone, it’s hard to rebuild anything meaningful. So, whether it’s friends or relatives, they need to be people who you can trust, and who can trust you.

Shared Values and Goals

Another important aspect is shared values. When you find people who align with your core values and beliefs, it feels like you’re speaking the same language. I’ve made friends in my life who are like family now because we’ve shared similar dreams, fears, and goals. We encourage each other to chase those goals, and there’s something deeply fulfilling about having people who genuinely want the best for you.

Family by Choice vs. Family by Birth: What’s the Difference?

Now, let’s dig into the difference between family by choice and family by birth. Don’t get me wrong—your biological family can be incredibly important, and for many, they are the rock you lean on. But sometimes, you just don’t connect with them the way you wish you could. And that’s okay too.

The Power of Chosen Family

I once heard someone say, “You can’t choose your family, but you can choose who stays in your life.” And I think that sums it up beautifully. The power of chosen family lies in the fact that you have control. You get to decide who’s there for you in the moments that matter most. Sometimes, this chosen family can be even stronger than biological ties because they’ve earned their place in your life.

Conclusion: Building Your Own Family

At the end of the day, choosing family is a personal, ongoing process. It’s not always about bloodlines or the people who’ve been around the longest; it’s about connection, love, and support. The family you choose is often the one that shapes who you are and who you want to become. So, when you think about who should be your family, think about the people who show up for you, who love you unconditionally, and who lift you up. That’s what family is really all about.

Trust me, choosing the right family doesn’t mean rejecting your biological family; it just means embracing the idea that family is more than just a label—it’s a bond that transcends blood.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.