Functional vs. Dysfunctional Families
By bojo96
@bojo96 (46)
United States
August 13, 2007 7:03pm CST
Sometimes I feel like my family is the only functional one around. My parents were high school sweethearts and married for 42 years before my dad passed away. I have 2 brothers and a sister. We all live within 40 minutes of each other and get along very well. Our spouses and children are very much a part of what makes our family special. Every holiday, birthday, anniversary we all gather for a party. At least twice a month we all get together for a dinner/cook out. We know that we are fortunate to have each other.
I know we can't be the only ones out there...tell me about your functional family. If you feel your family is dysfunctional...what makes it so? Is there something as simple as an apology that could make it right or is it beyond repair?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
28 Aug 07
Definitions of functional can vary a lot. It's not all about seeing everyone, or making time for every family member. I feel my family is very functional because even though there are family members we don't see often, we still feel very much like a family unit. I still know that everyone will be there for me if I ever need them!
Dysfunctional families to me are those that don't get along more often then they get along. Families where one or more members are always causing trouble or out to be mean. Our families where members are very jealous of their cousins, brothers, uncles, whoever.
Basically, even if parents are divorced, or some family members are out of the loop, a family can still be functional if the family cares for each other and supports each other.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
21 Aug 07
Your family sounds somewhat like my Dad's family. They are very family oriented. It's great that you have that. I think my family would probably fall into the dysfunctional side of the line. We have alot of problems in our family with different members and there are even some that we don't get along with at all. Certain ones are really close to each other and others barely tolerate one another. My mom and my brothers are all close to each other although some of the spouses of my brothers don't get along. I just do the best I can.
AT PEACE WITHIN
