Yesterday, three diverse family groups gathered for a Christmas Day lunch. In all three cases, one or more individuals comprising their nuclear families were not present for a specific reason - death, divorce, or relocation.
At one point or another during the afternoon hike, a key family member expressed that they had woken up depressed because their nuclear family was split apart this year. For all three groups, it was the first year of separation from the loved ones with whom they had been accustomed to being with for so many Christmas' of yesteryear.
In all three cases, the depression evaporated as we all gathered together with laughter, wine (or Martinellis) and great food.
What social scientists proclaim is indeed true. We are social animals. Our cultural and familial preferences actually come second; what comes first is being accepted into the company of warm and loving human beings.
The rest is icing on the cake.
At one point or another during the afternoon hike, a key family member expressed that they had woken up depressed because their nuclear family was split apart this year. For all three groups, it was the first year of separation from the loved ones with whom they had been accustomed to being with for so many Christmas' of yesteryear.
In all three cases, the depression evaporated as we all gathered together with laughter, wine (or Martinellis) and great food.
What social scientists proclaim is indeed true. We are social animals. Our cultural and familial preferences actually come second; what comes first is being accepted into the company of warm and loving human beings.
The rest is icing on the cake.
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