((((((((Miss A))))))))),

Your real family is the one that has been with you since the beginning & will be there with you to the end. The relationship that we have there is who we really are in all situations. Even though at times we wish we could be different or that our family would be different. It is important to develop ourselves into a person who can get along in that life because they see & react to the real us.

There wasn't any internet let alone computers when I was young. I have to admit that I enjoyed being away from my family because it seemed like I could be who & what I wanted to be rather than reacting to my family. They weren't bad parents....just not what I imagined I would want my parents to be like.....therefore being away from them allowed me to sometimes be a different person than what I was around my parents. I guess it gives us a chance to develope different ideas & actions than what comes from home life. I always hated when I would come with other ideas then when back with parents they would always see me as I was without giving me a chance to use my different thoughts.

All areas in our life give us a chance to develop thinking, relationship skills, & attitudes that we find works for us in relating with others.....keeping what works & trying to change what doesn't.....that is what growing up is all about.

You have opportunities that many of us didn't while growing up......my life was school, neighborhood, church....pretty limited & not many outside relationships to draw from. Take the best from both & develop the person that you really want to be. In the long run you will have your own "real family" that you will have to make work.

Debbie