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People always say “blood is thicker than water.” It’s supposed to mean that family bonds are stronger than anything else. But for me, that saying never felt true.
I carry a deep trauma about relationships from my younger days. I saw things that broke my trust in “family”, talking behind each other’s backs, jealousy over someone else’s growth, and ugly fights over legacies. None of it felt like love to me. None of it felt like family.
Those experiences taught me early on that just because someone shares my blood doesn’t mean they share my heart. I’ve learned to see things from my own shoes, not through the lens of tradition or obligation.
I don’t value fake relationships. I don’t have the energy to keep up with bonds that drain me. Whether it’s family or friends, if it’s not real, I step away. Instead, I’ve chosen a small circle people I adore, people who respect me, people who make me feel safe.
And I’m not the kind of person who shows love in ways everyone expects. I’m not the one to cling to the phone for hours or constantly check in. But if you matter to me, you will feel it. I’ll stand with you when it really counts. That’s my way of loving.
For me, blood doesn’t define loyalty. Respect does. Kindness does. Honesty does. My circle may be small, but it is real, and that is more valuable to me than any forced connection.
✨ What about you? Do you believe blood is thicker than water, or do you define family differently? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your perspective.
