We all know the saying, “blood is thicker than water”, which basically means, family over everyone else. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that the original saying goes, “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” It appears that we’ve had it wrong all along. The saying actually means that the relationships we form with people we choose to, are stronger and more significant than the relationships we are forced to have with people we are related to.

Don’t get me wrong, in no way am I saying that family is unimportant. It’s hard to put into words how much gratitude, loyalty, and love I have for my family. But I also think it’s very important to acknowledge those that we choose to be our family. My closest friends are my backbone and I don’t know what I would do without them. I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.

Thank you for always being there, even when it’s hard. It’s not easy dealing with me when I’m upset, but I appreciate you for always letting me cry on your shoulder, even when it’s the seventh time I’ve made the same mistake.

Thank you for being real with me, even when I don’t want to hear it. The truth hurts, but it means so much to me to know that you respect me enough to give it to me straight 100 percent of the time. Without you, I would have a bad haircut, text my ex about how happy I am, and not know about the spinach in my teeth. You are truly a godsend.

Thank you for picking me up when I’m down. You can pick up on my mood as soon as I walk in the door without me having to even open my mouth. I appreciate the times you’ve listened to me talk about what’s bothering me just as much as I appreciate the times you’ve understood that I just wanted to sit in silence. With you, I know I’m never alone.

Thank you for always pushing me to be my best. Sometimes finding the motivation is tough, but knowing that you want the best for me makes me want to do the best for myself.

Thank you for not judging me. We all know you’ve had millions of opportunities. Enough said.

Thank you for always going out of your way for me. Never think I don’t appreciate all of the times you've gone with me to my favorite restaurant even though you hate it. Annnd for going to that party you didn’t want to go to. Annnnnnd for bringing me soup when I was sick even though you had an exam to study for the next day. And for literally everything else.

Thank you for sticking by my side through the bad times. It’s not easy dealing with pain, loss, and suffering, but it’s easier when you have a support system like mine.

Thank you for always celebrating the good times. I can always count on you to clap for me, even if it’s the smallest of accomplishments.

Thank you for always supporting my decisions. No matter how awful they are. We don’t have to talk about it…

Thank you for loving me even when I don’t love myself.

Thank you for being you.

At the end of the day, I’m very thankful that my family consists of whom I chose to be in it.