While I won't go so far as to say I'm indifferent to my family, I've been close to that mindset. I've long subscribed to the idea that some people are more familial in our lives because of their actions, even though they may not be blood related.

And I do resent to some degree the idea that we should hold our base genetic bond up on a pedestal. I do hold some of my family members up on that pedestal, but that is because they treat me and others well, regardless of our shared genetic background.

I think the most heartbreaking thing is how many people (especially around these parts) have looked in vain to find that special bond in their family members, and have found little or none. It's times like those when I say forget your familial bond, don't try to hold on to your expectations of what a parent or sibling or cousin or uncle should be; they're nothing to you and you deserve better.