Relationships

If you know, you know. I’ve never been particularly close with my extended family—my circle has always been more of a cozy, intimate gathering with just my parents, brother, and his girls. When I met my husband, I learned this isn’t exactly typical, but hey, it is what it is. I used to feel guilty about not having that special bond, thinking it was somehow my fault. But as I grow older and (hopefully) wiser, I realize I wouldn’t expect my own sons to go out of their way to foster connections with extended family if it wasn’t natural for them.

I’ve come to accept that I can’t control other people’s opinions about me or my family. If certain relatives choose not to be part of our lives, that’s their decision. What I can do is continue being authentically myself and raise my sons to be proud of who they are and what they believe in.

It’s a bit sad, this reality, but it’s life. Like my therapist often reminds me: you can’t make people like you. However, you can stay true to who you are, and those who resonate with that will naturally gravitate toward you. If they don’t, well, they were never meant to be part of your tribe anyway. Here’s to living life unapologetically and nurturing the relationships that truly matter!

In fact, the friends I’ve made during my time in the military feel more like family to me than most of my actual relatives. It’s amazing how shared experiences and camaraderie can create such strong bonds. These friendships have been a source of support and understanding that I never expected but am truly grateful for. It’s a reminder that family isn’t always about blood—sometimes it’s about the connections we form with those who stand by us through life’s adventures.