Family; it's in the eye of the beholder.

'A social unit living together; primary social group, parents & children; an association of people who share a common beliefs or activities'

What makes a family? I have recently been told that together, Jesse and I are a family which has lead to me thinking; what makes a family? Until now I have never considered a couple to be a family. No matter if you have a house, or a dog...your not a family until you have a child. It's something I have never given much thought too, but in my mind it makes sense; a couple are not a family, they are just that...a couple.

When someone called us each others family it got me to thinking and questioning the idea of what makes a family. I have spoken with a few people on the matter, both of which agree that your not a family without children, but it seems we are all open to have our opinions changed. What if Jesse and I could never have kids? Does that mean we will for ever miss out on the opportunity to be a family?

You create a family. Two people make the decision to create a life together, inclusive of a family, pets and children. So what if the scope of the family you create if just yourself and your partner? Don't get me wrong, I want kids...I can't wait to start a family. I just can't come to an agreement in my mind whether I can consider a partner my family before we have children, or possibly even get married. Which poses another question; are you a family if you get married and share a last name? When does it change? I would consider my relationship more healthy, filled with more happiness and more balanced than many marriages- so why are they a family because of a piece of paper. Is it an age thing? Will I consider us a family when I am older?

I find it so interesting. Perception is the key in this discussion. I would never consciously state Jesse and I are a family, not until we are married and most likely not until we have kids. But I am not opposed to the idea that we are in a sense each others family. Because really what is family? By definition it could mean anything; emotions show that it is dependent on the context your talking about it in. To me; family are the people who are there throughout the good, the bad and always, no matter what love me unconditionally. So maybe I could consider my boyfriend, who means the world to me a part of my family?