How do you define the idea of "family?" What does it mean to you?

Lorraine:

I think my idea of family established itself sometime during my teens. I decided that the unique thing about family was: no matter what, it was always somewhere where I would be accepted. I might not be approved of, or maybe not even be liked, but if I really, really needed somebody or someplace to be in my life, or if I needed support, a family member would accept me as I was. I have had a few friends who have loved me, probably more than my family did, but I've never quite felt the same sense of "it's OK to ask for help, it's OK to expect acceptance". I don't have to do anything special, Idon't have to be smart or rich or famous. It's OK to just be who I am. I don't have to prove anything. This is how I feel that family differs from other relationships.