That is family too. Maybe even more so. Blood and water. One you’re born into. One you build.
You are allowed to close the door. You are allowed to grieve the relationship you wished for while still protecting yourself from the one you actually have. Interestingly, the full original quote is thought to be: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Blood and Water
It means the opposite of how we use it today. It means the bonds we choose —the covenants we make with friends, lovers, and found family—are actually stronger than the biological ties we were born into. That is family too
One might try to convince you that you owe it everything. The other will remind you that love is not an obligation—it is a daily, living choice. One you’re born into