My question to you is- what does family mean to you? Does family mean you love each other unconditionally, but don't have to like each other? Does it mean that you allow others to make their own disastrous mistakes and keep your mouth closed? Does it mean that you try to divert them when they're on a collision course with heartbreak or failure or stupidity? Does it mean you "agree to disagree" every time you are with them? Does family always ask the other person first whats new? Does family always extend the invitation, or is it assumed the invite is always open? Does family mean open communication but only if it won't butthurt anyone (and does everyone's family have that one person who's butthurt about EVERYTHING?) I love my family. I would fight like a savage to protect them, I would guide them like no one guided me away from all failures and misdemeanors and stupid acts I have traipsed through. I want to be the matriarch, the one they look to...