Ideal Family Vs. Own Family Essay

My Ideal or "Perfect" Family Vs. My Own Family

By: Llamera, Kristianne Gaile V.

and

Rubillar, Javin Brix T.

 

          Ask yourself this, dear reader, is there such a thing as a "perfect" family? A family, particularly my own, plays a huge role in building who I am today by scolding me when I stray and by pointing me in the right direction. Families that lie within the Afro-Asian context,as I have observed, for this applies to my own family as well, are heavily influenced byt their cultures and traditions. My "Ideal" or "perfect" family and my own have a number of similarities, for in the end both are loving, caring, and supportive of me and each other.

          My ideal family is the manifestation of what I, as a person, think should consist a family for it to truly be called a "family". Even if no single member is perfect in the literal sense of the word, a family and each of its members have the ability to love and be loving. They show this love through words, thoughts, and deeds; through simple questions like "How are you?" or "How was your day?". They show you their affection through simple acts, like a peck on the cheek before you go or by doing nice things for you, and they spend time to think of your welfare and happiness. They show you their caring side by showering you with affection, by sacrificing time or their own self-enjoyment for you, and by constantly perstering you to do little things, like combing your hair or eating better, simply because they care. They support you in what you feel like doing or pursuing in life, and they always want you to do your very best.

          My own family, on the other hand, is a farcry from perfect. They suite me just fine though, so I don't really mind. They love me and they take heart in showing that by annoying me constantly over little things, or by scolding me for not doing what's right. They care for me by providing me with my needs and wants, by sending me to a good school, and  by raising me as best they can. They support me by telling me to follow my dreams, no matter how far off they may seem, by pushing me to do better, and by cheering me on so very enthusiastically it occasionally borders on embarassing.

          You know something, dear reader? Half-way through this heap of words I call an essay, I realized something. As it so ironically turns out, my ideal family is a mirror image of my own family, albeit modified to near unreachable heights and standards. If you ask me, I'd never trade my family off for any other, no matter how sweet the deal might seem to be. As for families in the Afro-Asian context (yes, mine included), their family ties are heavily influenced by tradition, moral values (or lack thereof), culture, opinions, social standing in life, and belief, which in turn direct the dealings of family members with each other.