I have a pretty large family on both my mother's side and my father's side. Even though we are very close, keeping track of all of the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents can be a lot at times. Between the dinner table struggles and getting a word into conversations, there are a few instances that most big families can relate to.
1. Spots at the adult table are rare and coveted.
2. Because sometimes, the "kiddie table" just doesn't cut it.
3. When it comes to grandchildren, you're the oldest, the youngest, or just somewhere lost in between.
4. You probably have more cousins than you can count on your fingers and toes.
5. It's likely that you're as close with your cousins as you are with your own siblings.
6. Trying to get a word in amid the family chaos is next to impossible.
7. Even if you have only been apart from one another for a week, at least ten new stories emerge from family members at the dinner table.
8. There's a strong likelihood of at least two or three new family members being born every year.
9. You've been to so many family weddings that you're shocked when you meet someone who has never been to one in their life.
10. Bringing in a new boyfriend or girlfriend automatically makes them a part of the family.
11. It's hard to embarrass yourself, because you've been around your family for so long and they're used to your stupidity.
12. Everybody jokes around with each other like siblings (even if they are your grandparents, sometimes).
13. Each and every holiday tends to be more chaotic than the last with so many people around.
14. You're not necessarily fond of silence because you're so used to everyone being loud and talkative.
15. You can't say that you've ever really been lonely with so much family around.
16. Even if you haven't seen them in a long time, it's easy to pick up right where you left off.
17. Some people don't know when to stop talking, but you learn to cope somewhere along the way.
18. There are plenty of inside jokes about other family members and family friends to go around.
19. Somehow, there is always enough food for everybody to be full after a meal.
20. Family parties (and alcohol) are enough to get excited about.
21. Coming home from college means plenty of home-cooked meals from plenty of different family members.
22. Laughter is plentiful around the family.
23. You can't imagine having a small family because that just sounds painfully plain and boring.
24. You look forward to every family gathering because you get to see everyone once again.
25. You wouldn't want to be a part of any other family.
