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[geenuhbee]

The Bittersweet Beauty of Family

Today was a day I was really looking forward to for the last couple of days. We were going to go to my in-laws' house to have grilled fish. My favorite is Robalo. While talking over a bonafide banquet, we touched on the topic of family...

Family is one of those things we rarely think about too deeply until something shifts—someone moves away, something bad happens, or maybe life just takes you in different directions. It feels so odd to me how family bonds are built on shared moments, from big celebrations to random Tuesdays spent just hanging around. But despite that, even the closest of families can find themselves drifting apart, and that reality is incredibly bittersweet.

Growing up, family shapes us in ways we don’t fully understand until we’re older. There’s a comfort in knowing someone has seen us through every awkward phase, every embarrassing haircut, every silly nickname, and every loss. They get it in a way that no one else quite does. And yet, as we all grow, sometimes those close ties loosen. It’s natural, but that doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

Life has this way of taking us down roads we didn’t expect. Maybe you move to a new city for work, or someone starts a family, or other priorities take up more and more space. And before you know it, you're seeing family only a few times a year—or maybe less. Sometimes, the drift just happens because we're all busy with our own lives. There’s no big fallout or drama, just a quiet drifting. But other times, a cataclysmic event changes everything.

It’s easy to let that drift become the new normal, but reaching out can sometimes remind us of what we have. A text here, a quick call there, maybe even setting up a random coffee date with a sibling or a parent—it’s small, but it means something. Those little efforts remind us that family, even if it looks different now, is still there. And sometimes, all it takes is a small moment to bring a little warmth back into those connections.

Family relationships might evolve, but that doesn’t mean we lose the love or memories that built them. It’s okay to accept that we may never be as close as we once were, and that’s just part of life. What’s important is to cherish those shared memories, to hold on to the feeling of family even as things change.

There's a universal truth that life moves on and that we all do our best to keep up with it. Family is there in the background, maybe not always close by, but always a part of who we are. And whether we’re seeing each other through photos on social media, or phsyically seeing each other every weekend or just every holiday, the love that connects us never truly disappears.

[geenuhbee]

As I get older, I’m starting to realize more and more that the people I choose to surround myself with have a huge impact on my well-being. When we’re younger, friendships are often about fun, excitement, and maybe even a bit of drama. But as life gets busier and responsibilities pile up, the things we look for in our friendships shift. These days, I’m all about surrounding myself with people who bring me peace of mind.

I recently went through a situation that taught me a lot about this. It was one of those moments where, despite my best intentions, it felt like we were on totally different wavelengths. I was reminded that a caring about someone isn’t just always saying “yes” to everything, but someone who can have difficult conversations with you because they want to help you grow together. They’ll be honest with you, even when it’s uncomfortable, because they care enough to be real with you.

Here’s the thing: friendship should add to your life, not drain it. Of course, every relationship has ups and downs, but if the downs start to outweigh the good, it’s worth taking a closer look. Friendships aren’t meant to feel like work 24/7. They’re supposed to be a safe space where you can relax, be yourself, and feel supported.

As we age, I think peace becomes the most underrated aspect of a good friendship. There’s something incredibly valuable about having friends who understand you, who don’t judge you, and who bring out the best in you without requiring you to sacrifice your peace of mind. Life is challenging enough on its own, and while it’s great to have friends who can support you through tough times, it’s even better to have friendships that don’t create extra turbulence.

So here’s what I’m learning: it’s okay to prioritize peace. It’s okay to want friends who add calm and positivity to your life rather than chaos and stress. It’s not about giving up on people or being unwilling to work through issues; it’s about recognizing your own boundaries and valuing your emotional well-being. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back and let people be who they are—while you choose to be around those who truly bring you peace.

Friendships evolve, and that’s perfectly natural. Not everyone is meant to be in our lives forever, and that’s okay too. If you’re in a similar situation or you’ve felt this shift in what you look for in friendships, just know you’re not alone. It’s okay to prioritize friendships that feel easy, comforting, and supportive. Life’s too short to spend time with people who don’t help you grow or who compromise your peace.