Dysfunction

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July 22, 2019

I hadn't recognized just how dysfunctional my family is until I observed others' families. My old college roommate, for example, interacts with her parents as if they're her best friends, ending each of their phone conversations with an enthusiastic "I love you!" My immediate family and I, on the other hand, never say that we love each other; that'd be super awkward. We rarely show affection. We just coexist, occasionally cracking jokes.

But honestly, I find my old roommate's relationship with her parents annoying. They baby her—a lot. I'd prefer to have familial relationships similar to my boyfriend's. He and his parents are not "buddy-buddy," but at least they hold conversations with depth and respect respect each other enough to truly listen to each other. Is that too much to ask of my family?

I know I shouldn't complain. People are abused by their families daily. I love and appreciate my family, but I wish we had healthier relationships with each other. I think we'd all be happier if that were the case.

Can anyone relate?

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