Usually, that’s reserved for family members, those people we are connected to by blood – or marriage. There’s an expectation that family will always be there, and yet that’s not true, either. Just because we share common ancestors or gold bands doesn’t mean we will always see eye to eye, let alone “love” each other. Friends will send you a random picture that will make you laugh. They will share a joke with you that nobody else would understand. T hey share countless memories with you. From all the time you spent together. All the parties you went to together. All the mistakes you did together. All those things that were embarrassing. Friends make you feel strongly about it by learning from it. They make you laugh. As much as they can. Because they know laughing is good for you. In many cases, people might even have more intimate relationships with these friends than with their blood relations. But, since you aren’t technically related, if you consider your friends your family, you choose to do so. Do You Consider Your Friends Your Family? Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching – they are your family.” – Jim Butcher So, yes, friends can be like family, and they are the family you choose. Perhaps this gives them a bit more clout — the fact that you chose each other. You want to be a part of each other’s lives and experiences. In this blog post, I have curated a list of some of the most heartwarming friends are family you choose quotes that will make you want to hug your besties again. Friends Are Family You Choose Quotes

It’s a concept known by psychologists as ‘stroking’. ‘It’s OK not to constantly stroke,’ Baker says. ‘We have to do enough of that in our lives. If you find that you are stroking and making excuses to your friendship circle, then it becomes a burden. It’s like another job.’ At the wedding, I wrapped up by welcoming Jerry into our family, and reminding both of them they have a family of friends they can count on. As I spoke, I thought of my friends and family, the ones I count on, who are there for me when I need them. My heart is full of love for all of them. You may not have grown up together, but you’ve grown together. That’s what happens when you find your chosen family – you become better versions of yourselves. Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” — Jane Howard If you have a family that loves you a few good friends and and a roof over your head you are richer then you think.”- Nishan Panwar

Friends are your chosen family." It's a saying we often hear, but know that it should really be reserved for our most trusted companions. Sure, all friendships are special, but when we think about those who have been there for us through our hardest times, the people we spend the holidays with, and those who we speak to every day, the word friendship just doesn't do them justice. Simply put, they're family. Life is unpredictable, but your chosen family is a constant source of stability and support. They help you navigate through the ups and downs of life.The construct of the “posse” is propped up by social media,’ says therapist Sally Baker. ‘What it brings out for a lot of women are those schoolday insecurities when you weren’t sure whether you fitted in or not. There’s a lot of judgment that goes on in WhatsApp and Facebook groups and they are seldom a safe space unless you are a hugely conforming type. I know women inwell-established groups who share no personal vulnerabilities. I think that superficiality is encouraged by social media – how things look, not how people feel,’ she says. We may not have been born into the same family, but we share a bond that’s just as strong. We’ve been through so much together, and that’s what makes us family. Surround yourself only with people who lift you higher because friends are the family you choose yourself.” When you’re with your chosen family, it feels like anything is possible. They inspire you to chase your dreams and reach for the stars.