So as to not highlight your entire story or write a dissertation in your comments. This, Sis. This!

My emotional growth would have been stunted had I limited my family to blood relations. Broadening my view of family helped me soar in college. And now, as a woman in her 40's, I have history and memories with people uplift me.

Some of my most toxic relationships were with family members more so than the men I've loved.