You can't pick your biological family, but you can pick your emotional one

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a biological family that provides a strong emotional center of love and support. You may feel alone in the world or carry a sense of emptiness if your biological family fails to be the emotional family you need. Many people lose themselves to feeling helplessly, hopelessly alone in the world because they accept the refrain "you can't pick your family '. This may be true, but you can pick your emotional one. You could have friends or even one that would be there to rely on. They would support you in times of trouble and celebrate with you in times of happiness. They might not be family by blood, but they would be the definition what you consider a healthy, supportive family. Emotional family members don't happen right away. They have to be nutured. Since different people do have different strengths, maybe you should consider a number of relationships for your family. Look around at the people that may be good candidates. They may include your biological and legal family, friends or acquaintances. Spend more time with them and get to know them. It is a process that can develop into the emotional family of your choosing that will be there for you. By Leslie Becker-Phelps,Ph.D