Im so sorry you are going through this. I havent got a family either. Also due to their religious views (Christian) & mine (Gnostic)..... you asked does a person have to have a romantic relationship to have a family type relationship. & the answer is no. You choose your family. And family doent have to.ve blood or due to anything romantic. I have a couple of wonderful friends that I love and cherish, sometimes more than I do my blood family.