We can agree that having and maintaining a good relationship with people is helpful and beneficial. It does immense good if those involved have one another in mind healthily and beautifully. Especially when it has to do with family. Be it nuclear or extended family, having a good and healthy relationship with one another is something I believe everyone desires to have. Sadly, it isn't the case with all, it isn't even so with many.
Perhaps, this is basically and majorly in my part of the world because we see a great disconnection between the people who should be family to one another. Extended family relationships especially. When you take time to ask several people about this you'll find that. The reason for this could be one thing or another; the poor attitudes of or from the extended family members or an intentional disconnection/lack of relationship.
The prompt here considers this relationship with uncles and aunties; people related to one by virtue of their family ties with their parents. In a way, in some cultures, they're considered more like parents to their nephews and nieces. It's so sad that people given such honour and duty in some cases are nothing like it. It's seemingly a common thing with many families, hence many have no relationship with their extended family, passing across generations.
Should there be this relationship? Yes, there should be, in a good and healthy way. Why is it that many don't have that relationship with their extended families, uncles and aunties especially? It's because of the attitudes and characters that some display. What's worse? It can cause rifts between cousins who genuinely care for each other but can't relate. It's funny how we see this in some of our local movies and it could seem like just a movie, but that happens.
The issue is that this continues through generations. It's true because there are people who say that no matter what they're going through in life they better seek the help they need from others outside the family and get it or not, if their uncles or aunties are their last resort. It could seem like blabbing, but many have said and lived that. And when you check, you'll find a connection of poor attitudes towards them that warranted taking such a position.
While this is the case with many people, some have enjoyed good and healthy relationships with their extended families. They could even list several things and benefits they enjoy from their uncles and aunties. I've come across some such people while younger. Even today as an adult, I know of some. And it's beautiful to see the display of good family ties between members of extended family. It leaves the question, why can't all be that way?
Not for the list of things and benefits that can be mentioned, but for the genuine care and positive attitudes towards them. For me, I didn't have it bad with extended family relationships. I speak with most of my uncles and aunties, and cousins too. I'm in touch with some of them, even if not consistently. Sometimes, I even get to see some of these extended family members. Family ties should go beyond the name, but be intentional, good and healthy relationships.
Image is AI generated.
