Family doesn't make you feel low.

They are the ones who pick you up when you are down. They are supposed to help pull you out of whatever funk you are in. They are who you depend on most when you're in need. A family is a support system; the people who are always in your corner.

Family doesn't belittle you.

Jokes are harmless, even full of love at times. Insults, however, are vastly different from jokes. Your family is allowed to poke a little fun at you, not berate you for the hell of it. They're not there to beat you down and make you feel like you're worthless. They are there to make you laugh and lighten your mood, not feel like dirt.

Family doesn't keep you from reaching your potential.

They are the ones who keep you going. They support you and help you fight for what you want. No matter what it takes for you to get to the top, they help you get there every step of the way. They're not the ones who keep you down or dull your shine. They let you shine through.

Family doesn't ignore your pain.

They are the ones who should see your struggle and work with you to overcome it. They shouldn't brush it under the rug as nothing. They fight for you. They are the ones who try to save you.

Family doesn't act fake.

They're not the ones who put on a smile and act like everything is A-ok. They are the ones who tell it like it is, because it's what you need. They bring you back to reality, while letting you keep your head near the clouds.

Family can be whoever you want: friends, co-workers, blood relatives, etc. There is no rules against who can and can't be your family, but there are rules on how they should treat you.

Never let family take advantage of you or make you feel invisible. Family doesn't do that.