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Topic : The Meaning of "Family"

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Created on : Thursday, July 07, 2005, 09:16:57 am
Author : dataimport
They're there for you when nobody else is, and understand without  you having to explain. Have your loved ones shown you the true meaning of the word "family" with their actions? Share your story.

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April 13, 2006, 10:47 am PDT

Dear Marcialyn,

Quote From: marcialynn

Almost 10 months ago my brother and I got into a argument. I know I said things that I am sorry for and i wish I had never said. I have called him and his wife several times and tried to appologize and the still want talk to me. My mother has even tried to talk with them and they dont want to talk about it. They want even go see her anymore. Please someone help me understand what I am doing wrong I think I stress to much over this but I cant help it it is litterly killing me.

You are right, you are stressing too much over this situation. This must be very difficult for you and for your mother, but once you have done all that you can do to make the situation right, it is then out of your hands. My suggestion is that you try one last time to apologize, this time, write a letter to them. That way, you will be able to say exactly what you need to say without being interupted, and, they will be able to read it and re-read it if they need to. The best thing to do is to keep it short and simple; don't over-explain things, all you need to do is say that you said things that you didn't mean, that you miss them, love them, and you are very sorry. Thats it- don't get into "he said, she said" etc., because instead of resolving things, it will only keep them away. After sending the letter, give them atleast a month, if they haven't accepted your apology, you will have to accept that they don't want to accept your apology. Personaly, I know people who are so miserable with themselves and their lives, that they wouldn't accept an apology from anyone, and its not because the person affected them terribly, its only because of the fact that they are miserable and they want everyone else to feel just as bad as they do. Consider that your brother and his wife could be over-playing this situation because they have anger in other areas of their lives that don't even have anything to do with you- its possible. If they can't, or rather, won't, forgive or accept your apology, you need to forgive yourself and move forward. All you can now is learn from this experience. I wish you well! 

 
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April 13, 2006, 7:12 pm PDT

The Meaning of "Family"

Quote From: jenoc99

You are right, you are stressing too much over this situation. This must be very difficult for you and for your mother, but once you have done all that you can do to make the situation right, it is then out of your hands. My suggestion is that you try one last time to apologize, this time, write a letter to them. That way, you will be able to say exactly what you need to say without being interupted, and, they will be able to read it and re-read it if they need to. The best thing to do is to keep it short and simple; don't over-explain things, all you need to do is say that you said things that you didn't mean, that you miss them, love them, and you are very sorry. Thats it- don't get into "he said, she said" etc., because instead of resolving things, it will only keep them away. After sending the letter, give them atleast a month, if they haven't accepted your apology, you will have to accept that they don't want to accept your apology. Personaly, I know people who are so miserable with themselves and their lives, that they wouldn't accept an apology from anyone, and its not because the person affected them terribly, its only because of the fact that they are miserable and they want everyone else to feel just as bad as they do. Consider that your brother and his wife could be over-playing this situation because they have anger in other areas of their lives that don't even have anything to do with you- its possible. If they can't, or rather, won't, forgive or accept your apology, you need to forgive yourself and move forward. All you can now is learn from this experience. I wish you well! 

Thank you so much.  I will try this and keep you in touch on how it goes.
 
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April 17, 2006, 12:02 pm PDT

The meaning of family to me

I am the only child of my mother & father my mum& dad both married to step parents. I have 5 brothers & 1 sister . I live with my mother my 2 brothers & 1 sister the other 3 brothers are my dads children & i sont see them much. My mother & father dont get along but i still see my brothers. the meaning of family to me: is defenatly when i get to spend time & see all of my brothers & especially the ones that i dont see i really miss them spending time with them is the most joyus time of my life they mean a lot to me.

My other family my gran & aunt are also so spontanues & always there to support me when i need them they tell me when im wrong & guide mw through to the light i love them to bits they are very special to me.

My best friend is also my family coz when i need a shoulder to cry on she is there what ever i need to shed a tear sulk moun shout that is the first person i think of then i just let it out about evry body

 
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April 18, 2006, 9:08 am PDT

Never to late

Quote From: nanirobin

Hi all, 

  

My son was born back in 1968 when I was just 18.  I was a lost mother didn't know what to do with a little baby and on top of that I was living overseas, alone for 24 hours at the time.  After about 2 months of being upset and confused with no help on how to take care of my baby boy I snapped. One night I almost smothered him when he wouldn't stop crying.  When I realized what I was doing I jumped into the car with him and headed for the hospital sure that I had injured him ( he was grey).  He was fine but I told my husband I just had to get back home and to not ask any questions just get me home.  I got home within 72 hours but I never felt the same about my baby from that day forward.  I felt like an abuser and I distanced myself from my son. 

Our second child a girl whom I bonded with and did a good job of raising.  My son went to live with his father at age 7 when we divorced and never came back.  I ignored him for years.  I was ashamed,  & thought he was better off without me. That hurt him my x cussed me out on occassion but i stood my ground..I am 56 and he is 37. He lives 1200 miles away.  We have never really bonded. He has never married.  Dad never remarried saying women were untrustworthy. I wish I could feel comfortable with my son.  He is a fine man, with two college degrees,  great job, funny as all get out, holds high degrees in martial arts, good with kids, sweet as he can be.  Since he has never married I think I am partly to blame.  I still feel odd around him.  I can't erase the past but I feel so odd about being with him while I know it is doing harm to feel odd.  I just spent 6 days with him along with his sister and her three kids.  I spent maybe 4 hours with him and the rest of the time I spent with my grandchildren..... easier for me.  He spent time with his sister, his neices and nephew and his dad but  work hard at getting close to me either and I don't blame him.  Does anyone have any ideas for how I can change our lack of relationship before I die.  I did say to him when we parted that I was sorry we didn't spend time together and perhaps he could come up in the spring and just the two of us could go camping.  I know he can take the time, I know he has the money but he gave me that "gee I din't know  I will have to think about that"  Which I know means no.  Before I drop dead I would like to not be an ache in his heart.  Any suggestions? 

It sounds like the distance between you both (miles and lack of bonding) has left your son with absolutely no idea of who you are now. How about writing him a letter explaining the things you've learned up to this point in your life? Ask for forgiveness and let him know you love him what ever his response is. We're all guilty at sometime or another for gravitating toward "easier" relationships. When we step out of our comfort zone and address the "tough" relationships, as painful as that may be, we reap the biggest rewards and learn the most about ourselves and others. Your son may not want to come out of his comfort zone, that is why I think writing is beneficial. Face to face is high in stress and doesn't allow the people to reflect on the words spoken. Many times it can even spark some defensiveness resulting many times in miscommunications. Your right we can't erase the past but we can start today toward a different future.

 
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April 18, 2006, 9:48 am PDT

What does "family" mean?

Merriam webster reads:

A group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head

A group of persons of common ancestry

A group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation

The basic unit in society traditionally consisting of 2 parents rearing their children

 

I don't know about everyone else but that is very vauge description of something we all hold so personal.

Shouldn't it say:

A group of individuals who hold the welfare and happiness of each other in high regard.

A group of individuals who encourage growth in each other.

 

I'm still trying to discover the meaning of family. Many of us doubt our choices because we don't know what family is suppose to mean to us. We feel a pull to our families that sometimes isn't healthy. Should we really cleave to our spouse, should we move away from family, should we move back for our parents if they become ill, should we give up our lives for "the family", should we fake feelings at family functions.....I could go on and on.

 

 

 

 
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April 18, 2006, 9:25 pm PDT

touched home

Quote From: chocah

It sounds like the distance between you both (miles and lack of bonding) has left your son with absolutely no idea of who you are now. How about writing him a letter explaining the things you've learned up to this point in your life? Ask for forgiveness and let him know you love him what ever his response is. We're all guilty at sometime or another for gravitating toward "easier" relationships. When we step out of our comfort zone and address the "tough" relationships, as painful as that may be, we reap the biggest rewards and learn the most about ourselves and others. Your son may not want to come out of his comfort zone, that is why I think writing is beneficial. Face to face is high in stress and doesn't allow the people to reflect on the words spoken. Many times it can even spark some defensiveness resulting many times in miscommunications. Your right we can't erase the past but we can start today toward a different future.

 Yesterday is History,Tomorrow a mystery,today is a "GIFT" this is why we call it the present. Take the gift of your sons' and your life today and leave yesterday in the past. Forgive yourself so your son can too.God has forgiven you,hasn't he? We all make bad choices and decesions.We just have to be willing to let go and press on. Take the time that you have left in life and spend it with your son and daughter as if each day is your last. If you don't forgive yourself and allow yourself to love your son and he love you, you may die never knowing how much you each were and are loved. 

 
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April 24, 2006, 10:54 am PDT

Brother's wedding

My only brother is getting married in August but the only person in my family that is going to be in the wedding (besides my brother ) is my six year old neice. His finacee hasn't asked me or my sister if we even wanted to be in the wedding and I don't want to say anything because I don't want to cause trouble. Should my brother's finacee had at least asked me and my sister if we wanted to be in the wedding?
 
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April 24, 2006, 2:57 pm PDT

Wedding

Quote From: la1219

My only brother is getting married in August but the only person in my family that is going to be in the wedding (besides my brother ) is my six year old neice. His finacee hasn't asked me or my sister if we even wanted to be in the wedding and I don't want to say anything because I don't want to cause trouble. Should my brother's finacee had at least asked me and my sister if we wanted to be in the wedding?
If she didn't ask, its not your place to ask why. There could be many reasons- perhaps they want to keep the wedding party to a certain size; perhaps the bride to be doesn't feel close enough to you or your sister yet to ask you to be in the wedding, the list could go on and on. Don't take it personally, and don't allow this to keep you from creating a healthy relationship with your soon to be sister in law. There are some people who feel they should involve family in their wedding, and there are others who don't feel that way. Personally, I had my closest friends be in my wedding, not my future sister in laws because I simply didn't know them that well.
 
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April 26, 2006, 3:26 pm PDT

empathy wins!

Quote From: sugajazz

I really hope you all find a way to forgive each other...even you forgiving your husband... 

  

The way he treated you was wrong...calling him a rapist is not healthy for your children...it doesn't make them feel loved or conceived out of love...words can be more damaging than the action alone... 

  

You obviously have the net at home...there are many web sites on forgiveness, abuse, how to handle resolution and how to find peace...and a great is the Drama Triangle...interesting reading... 

  

I wish you well...everyone has to heal their own pain and it's all about choice...Staying in Victim mode is very damaging...try writing a letter from the heart...I don't believe in BAD choices I believe in lessons and this world is only now starting to open up and talk about more effective ways of relating to each other...and the use of english language to describe things that happened too us... 

  

I hope your children see that they are not perfect...but then anger can blind us all... 

thank you for kind words! but he admitted before people how much he hurt me but cannot apologize... so is it surprising my kids have inherited certain traits? from both of us: self-righteousness and lack of empathy.  

  

how can we start anew? IF there is no communication.....  

  

the fact is they feel shame and have not been smart enough to see their parents are as good as others if not better in so many other ways. the difference? their friends' parents are still together and a unified family is the ideal. i am glad they feel that!  

  

i wake up in the morning praying, dear God, let them feel free to love us both!!! denial is such a nasty mask.  

  

i know dr phil could help but i , we are but a drop in the ocean.  

  

i miss my family so much but they do not miss me. regrdless, when i had my kids near me, it was the happinest time in my life. i was maybe too idealistic...... move on? ....... how can i when i lived just for family in my older days....... but...... i t is not in my hands!  

 
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April 29, 2006, 5:20 am PDT

Thanks

Quote From: harobe

Did you notice the reference I suggested also says "love your parents and have a rich, active relationship with them, try not to criticize your spouse for the relationship he/she has with his/her parents, and if you plan on sticking with your spouse, you're stuck with the parents"?  When that's over-looked, the message seems to be... loyalty to your spouse requires dumping your parents.  Of course this is absurd and dysfunctional.  Making parents and siblings a priority over a spouse and children is absurd and dysfunctional also.  And we shouldn't be pitting people against each other.  It seems you have the right idea... and if you're interested, Life Strategies is an excellent book.  It  provides the foundation for a healthy perspective and will clear up any misunderstandings.  

Hi. Thanks for the reference. I guess I just got confused because Dr.Phil always says that you should be loyal to your wife. I mean it almost looks like he's saying you shouldn't be loyal to your parents, which I've always found kind of odd.  

  

BTW, what is the book Life Strategies on? I didn't know it was actually a book on marriage life.  

 
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