To be part of a family is to be in a relationship. Husband and wife, parents and children, sibling and sibling are all in relationship. There is an opportunity for a closeness and trust that cannot occur outside family. Coming equally with the possibility for closeness is the chance of hatred and estrangement. It is not easy to maintain positive relationships with those that we are naturally closest to. There are tensions that exist between family members that are not present in other relationships. Being in close proximity means that you know of persons great attributes as well as their faults. Maintaining family relationships are a tremendous challenge.
