Verrry interesting, but I think we're all going to see it differently based on our personal journeys so far. Years ago, I would have agreed with you. I thought I hated my parents.
Once I became a mom, my whole perspective shifted and I value family more than ever. I learned to accept my parents and forgive them as I learned what it really meant to be a parent. Since I vowed to never alienate my own children as a result of my own experience, I am extremely close to my kids.
I talk to my parents once or twice a week but don't share much that's personal since my mom's reaction to anything is kinda insane in my view. But I love her and my dad and try to see them as often as I can, which is once every month or two.
I think it's great to see a family that's there to support one another. The only negative I see comes along when there's one certain relative attempting to control others, or the one who wants someone to tell them when to wipe their ass.
