Do you think free will man-made relations are stronger than blood relations??

[PhoeNyxFrost]

I wouldn't compare the strengths of my relations with people but I could certainly admit that blood relations- being a default, gives us the security or a definite role more than a personally non-blood made ones. I think what differs for individual experiences and closeness would be how each one of us treats those relationships. Blood relations, being a default gives us the responsibility to keep it and flourish it regardless of who they are as a person, on the other hand, free-will or non-blood relations made of circumstances, personalities and sometimes even luck is something we naturally make along the way as we cultivate it to become stable and secure for the long run. Both have their difficulties, but both relations help us grow as a person and understand different kinds of people.

[Aishwarya Chhabra]

I wouldn't compare the strengths of my relations with people but I could certainly admit that blood relations- being a default, gives us the security or a definite role more than a personally non-blood made ones. I think what differs for individual experiences and closeness would be how each one of us treats those relationships. Blood relations, being a default gives us the responsibility to keep it and flourish it regardless of who they are as a person, on the other hand, free-will or non-blood relations made of circumstances, personalities and sometimes even luck is something we naturally make along the way as we cultivate it to become stable and secure for the long run. Both have their difficulties, but both relations help us grow as a person and understand different kinds of people.

Yeah we definitely are at a benefit of security in blood relations. We instinctively always help our blood relations regardless the depth of their mistakes most times. But that does not make them stronger than non blood relations.

[Joseph_ngaruiya]

Sometimes relations built by humans flourish far better than blood relations. It all depends on our experiences and how we connect to other people in order to build that relation with them, just like in this book.Some experiences bind us more closely. So its safe to say that man made relations are stronger.

I dissent with your statement. Yes, circumstances may propagate relationships to grow stronger between strangers, but those related by blood have a unique bond that engraved in love.

Unfortunately, though, not all blood bonds are engraved in love, so to speak. Sometimes people don't bond with their children. I have a housemate whose father kicked him out in the middle of the pandemic. His "crime" was being depressed and allowing his soda cans to pile up. He had to leave everything behind and was homeless. He is also disabled. He probably has a stronger bond with me than with his father, and it is not like we are best friends. We are friendly acquaintances at best.

That's in order. Unfortunately, blood ties sometimes are broken by mistakes that are deemed unforgivable. I don't think it is right. Everyone has their weaknesses and pressures. Maureen is influenced by the pressure of sincere love to a man of color. Her mum saw it as a move of betrayal and an unforgivable wrong. However, kicking her out was never the solution. It was a stressful experience, but Maureen was willing to suffer.

[PhoeNyxFrost]

I wouldn't compare the strengths of my relations with people but I could certainly admit that blood relations- being a default, gives us the security or a definite role more than a personally non-blood made ones. I think what differs for individual experiences and closeness would be how each one of us treats those relationships. Blood relations, being a default gives us the responsibility to keep it and flourish it regardless of who they are as a person, on the other hand, free-will or non-blood relations made of circumstances, personalities and sometimes even luck is something we naturally make along the way as we cultivate it to become stable and secure for the long run. Both have their difficulties, but both relations help us grow as a person and understand different kinds of people.

Yeah we definitely are at a benefit of security in blood relations. We instinctively always help our blood relations regardless the depth of their mistakes most times. But that does not make them stronger than non blood relations.

True, that is why I have said that every relationship differs by how an individual treats it. Regardless of how the relationship was made, we all have to cultivate it and be responsible in our roles to strengthen the bond.

[Sonya Nicolaidis]

It is really hard to say. I am lucky to have amazing bonds with both family and very close friends, but have to admit that when a blood relationship is good, there is nothing beat it. In my opinion, the shared sense of origin and history cannot be replaced by any other bond, no matter how close. However, I know there are friends that "stand closer than a brother" and I cannot dispute that either. Each individual is different.

[femma]

I totally believe the man made relation often outlast that of the blood line. Most times distance do separate one from family, as portrait in this book, sometimes death. But there is that one friend who sticks no matter what.

[imet123]

Man made relations made out of friendships, attractions, similarities, often times stand stonger than blood ties, but, blood relations always remains as it is, no matter one's behaviour towards it.

[Bookie spy]

Both the relations are not comparable. These both can be strong at times and most vulnerable and weak too. It is a matter of understanding between the two sides involved.

[Olabode Joshua]

I think so. Even the Bible confirms it. Relationships borne out of choice are usually stronger, which is why lovers don't ever go back to being the same way they were before a breakup or divorce. The pain is enormous. However, familial ties are more of obligations and responsibility.

[MariaLivaniou]

They say that blood is thicker than water meaning that familial bonds will always be stronger than bonds of friendship or love, but I couldn't disagree more. Family isn't the people that gave birth you, but the people that love you unconditionally, and the ones that stay when the storm comes. That kind of love in an ideal world is supposed to come first from your family, but that isn't always the case, and more often than not the people you choose on your own, turn out to be your new family, your family by choice.

[Moira15]

It is quite an interesting question. It truly made me think. I have very different experiences with each type of relation. I think it can depend on many circumstances. In blood relations, you often have a positive kind of prejudice, and it sometimes takes longer to realize how bad it has become or what mistakes someone has made. So in a way, it can take more time for a blood relation to become ruined or damaged. But I do think that there is a point in blood relations too from where there is no coming back. Maybe you maintain the relationship, but it's never gonna be the same. And this is also true for free-will relations. The beginning is different, but the end can be the same. Overall, most of this depends on who are the ones in the relationship. Blood relation between one who wants it to work and one who doesn't can become way less strong, than a free-will relationship between two friends, who want their relationship's development.

[Menace Crypto]

Yes, I definitely think those relationships are stronger than blood relations. Most blood relationships are just made because it's a norm and the society expects it, but from personal experiences, I find that relationships borne out of free will are more real and long-lasting.

[greatbexpectations]

Strength comes from within. That brings us to the talk on invincible ties that binds. In my opinion I feel like mostly people try to create a stronger bond with others outside blood relations, because they feel the need to create a huge impact in the person's life. Unlike with family, we tell ourselves that since it's natural, it's binding whether you try or not. So mostly, all the efforts are placed into making the outside bond, because that one is started from scratch, till the finished product. And, it doesn't even end there. However, I believe familiar bonds are the strongest, for family will always be family. No matter the separation, or bad blood between members. There will still be a connection no matter how small.

I completely agree with this! There will always be a connection to blood relatives in some way. I would also like to add that it depends on the duration of the friendship. I have a close friend that I've known for as long as I've known some of my family members. Many of my "core memories" involve him and I would say that plays a big role as well! As to which takes precedence over the other, I think that changes situationally from person to person.

[Alice Ngugi]

In my experience, blood relations will take precedence. When you are related to someone, there's always a sense of responsibility that comes with it. But then again, it depends on individual preferences.

[Joseph_ngaruiya]

Friendships that beat the test of time are bound to be tighter. However, haven't you experienced a friendly attraction after meeting a stranger? Like what happens to Lena when she first notices Kalayla with her baggy pants (Kalayla is one of a character...I can't stop smiling). Indeed, it is dependant on an individual's interests. I have friends who are closer than my relatives, but they can't replace those relatives in whichever way. I would say it is the same thing that happens to Kalayla and uncle Clarence, that although their bond is not as strong, she still recognizes him as her uncle.