This post is a perilous undertaking but I will do my best. Recently, I have been thinking about the difference in our relationship with close friends versus family members and have come to some general conclusions. No doubt, not all readers will agree.
Many of us are likely to report that our spouse is our best friend; in other cases, one might be especially close to a parent, a child or a sibling. But such family "friendships" are not sufficient in life; they are usually associated with a great deal of emotional baggage. Furthermore, in the interest of peace and harmony, one must be especially cautious when "communicating" with family members.
Close friends, on the other hand, are free therapists. Unless they are overly judgmental, in which case the friendship would rapidly dissolve, we can freely express our opinions and frustrations. Indeed, when it comes to commiseration, good friends tend to excel and, in the difficult journey of life, that is a valuable resource.
