This quote, is my favorite quote of all time. I think it fits my family in the best way possible. If you know me at all, you know how important my family is to me. We absolutely have our differences, but at the end of the day we love each other endlessly. When I'm living at home, I live with my little sister and my parents. Between them and my mom and dad's side of the family, I've been so blessed to be able to call them my family. My family has taught me more than anything I could've possibly imagined to know- so this article is dedicated to you guys. This is what family means to me/what they've taught me.

Don't Be Selfish. A lot of people take what's provided for them for granted, it's very easy to when you have so much (not necessarily material items, etc). Something my family has always taught me is to put others before yourself. My family would give me the shirt off their back if I needed it. They've given me countless birthday gifts, money for college, and so much more. So don't be selfish when it comes to giving back. As the Beatles once said "The love you take, is equal to the love you make". I have been raised by many lyrics of the Beatles, but this one always sticks out to me. If my family had a motto, this would be it.

Be Honest. When dealing with someone you care about, (or even someone you don't particularly fancy) just be honest with them. Sure, there might be consequences when you tell someone the truth. But there are absolutely more consequences for lying. I can honestly say I've never been lied to by my family. Honesty is such a valued thing in our family. When you care about someone so much, what's the use of lying?

Be Loyal. I've heard so many horror stories about betrayal between family. It's really unfortunate that people find it okay to turn their back on someone that has been there through thick and thin. Family is someone that sticks with you through the good and the bad times. Someone that leaves you in the dust when you need them most, isn't your family. Sure, we bicker once in a while, but I wouldn't even imagine leaving my family behind. I will always be loyal to them. And because of that, I've learned how to be loyal to others.

Be Yourself. I'm the most secure when I'm surrounded by my family. When I was younger, I had a lot of problems being myself in a crowd of people. I wanted to fit in. When I was with my family, I was my true self. I'm still that way today. I find that a lot of people in my generation think they have to put on a facade to fit in. Your family will accept you for who you are.

Trust Others. I'm the first to admit that I have trust issues, everyone is subject to putting their walls up at first. But what my family has taught me, is that more often than not, you can trust people around you. Instead of a "innocent until proven guilty", it's more like "truthful until proven a liar". Going into a friendship or relationship with your walls up can really hurt the profession of it. Because I've always been on great terms with my family, I've been able to open up to them like I have with no one else before. Trust is a huge thing in my family, it's important that you trust and value everyone.

Respect Those Around You. If you disrespect others, how do you expect them to respect you? Something by dad always drilled into my head was "treat others the way you wanna be treated". Respect is a huge issue in this day and age because everyone has their own opinions, etc. Of course someone is entitled to these opinions, but they have to learn where the line is and you have to respect others opinions. The way you go about talking to someone whether you know them or not can really determine how people see you. My family always taught me to respect my elders and my peers. I've always been equal to my family and they've treated me as such. I am forever grateful for all they've taught me.

Family doesn't have to only be the people who are born into your family. It can be your pets, your close friends, your teachers, your neighbors. But everyone has a family. Someone they can rely on. Someone that has taught you some (hopefully all) of the above qualities. Spend time with your family. Feel blessed that you have someone you can go to, because unfortunately not everyone is as blessed as I am. Shout out to my amazing family (again). You are such a huge part of who I am. Whether I see you once a year, or three times a month, I know you all have my back and would and will support me through everything.