I haven't been close to my relatives in a long time and while I love my in-laws I also tend to be somewhat guarded around them. I'm a shy introvert; that's just me.
My family of choice at any given time is where I let my boundaries down. Unfortunately I tend to move frequently and lose track of those people. Right now my family are my spouse and kids.
Partner is a more temporary position than spouse. I don't have multiple spouses, I have one and a partner. I can count on my partner for the usual things we do, for some emotional support, and for an occasional emergency. But when the chips are down, I don't expect my partner to drop everything and come to my rescue like I expect my spouse to. On the other hand perhaps that's not so much about family and partners and more about my marriage and the fact that we are a solid team.
no subject
My family of choice at any given time is where I let my boundaries down. Unfortunately I tend to move frequently and lose track of those people. Right now my family are my spouse and kids.
Partner is a more temporary position than spouse. I don't have multiple spouses, I have one and a partner. I can count on my partner for the usual things we do, for some emotional support, and for an occasional emergency. But when the chips are down, I don't expect my partner to drop everything and come to my rescue like I expect my spouse to. On the other hand perhaps that's not so much about family and partners and more about my marriage and the fact that we are a solid team.