I feel like it's normal to have a dysfunctional family

71% Normal
13 Comments

Just from reading posts on here on is it normal and talking with co-workers, classmates and friends... I feel like it's almost NORMAL to have a dysfunctional or broken family.

My family is completely normal. I mean sure, we have quirks and there are some odd family members, but my immediate family is completely normal to the point where I feel like there's no point in talking about them to anyone. I'm beginning to feel like I'm NOT normal because my family isn't broken or dysfunctional. I feel kind of like an outcast because my family is so average and non-dysfunctional.

is it normal that I feel like it's the norm to have a dysfunctional family and it's not the norm to have a "normal" family?

Voting Results
71% Normal
Based on 41 votes (29 yes)
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Comments ( 13 )
  • Jayemen
    7 years ago

    We all have dysfunctional families to some or good degree. Just matter of how it comes out, or, is hidden. Games people play, don't tell this one, be careful what you say to that one, who's in, who's out..All families have it.

    I did things for and with my hot older sister, back in her old apartment, after her divorce, that no one knows about and remains between us. Some things need to be that way. Doesn't mean it's mass dysfunction, but some.

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  • waterbottle123
    11 years ago

    You're incredibly lucky to not have to deal with dysfunction. You and your [future] children can and could grow up healthy, without pain, fear, guit, shame, addictions, self-harm, co-dependence on others, divorce, welfare, and seriously, the list could go on and on. YOURE FORTUNATE!

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  • valbdreamer
    11 years ago

    You should just appreciate your family. And stop worrying about this kind of shit.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      Yeah, I know, but I just can't help but notice all the stuff that I read on IIN, and what I hear form other people, and it's like... wow, my life is just so freaking normal.

      It's kind of like because I have nothing to complain about with my family, I can't really relate to anyone. I have no idea how on earth I'm suppose to relate to someone who's kid is in custody of their ex and they don't approve of who their ex is dating, or someone's who's parents got divorced, or their dad died at a young age, or someone went through divorce drama regarding unpaid taxes, or their niece likes to pretend that their homeless-

      How am I suppose to relate to that? I already have a hard enough time trying to communicate with people, how am I suppose to react to someone talking about such drama in their lives when I honestly don't know anything about it?

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      • valbdreamer
        11 years ago

        Is that your problem, that you don't know how it feels to have so much drama going on in your life?. Well, i can understand that, we all would like to experience different things. But i honestly believe you won't like to live all that stuff you said. You are just so freacking lucky for having your family.

        Maybe yeah. The world is so fucked up this days, and having such a charming and conventional family can be weird. But, come on! isn't that great?. Isn't great you don't have a psycho as your dad? isn't great not having a prostitute or a whore as your mom? I bet it isn't great to have a lot of violence around you.

        I can understand why you are worried. You have such a normal family, considering how others live. And coming from a person who has been through the both sides, i can tell you it's waay better to have a happy normal family.

        I really hope you can enjoy your ABNORMAL FAMILY ;)
        But, seriously, don't worry about that stuff. :)

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  • dappled
    11 years ago

    I've got two friends who don't have dysfunctional families. They don't understand anything at all. I feel so sorry for them.

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    • howaminotmyself
      11 years ago

      Every family has some dysfunction. Some are just more subtle about it.

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      • dappled
        11 years ago

        Yeah, I guess so. Mine don't really do subtlety. :)

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        • howaminotmyself
          11 years ago

          You may have mentioned that once or twice. :P But to say those who don't share your experience don't understand anything is quite the blanket statement. And a little insensitive.

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          • dappled
            11 years ago

            Yeah, I didn't mean it literally. More that they say things like, "Oh, why don't you have a chat with your parents?" I understand it's a normal thing for someone to say but from the perspective of someone in my situation, it's not normal at all.

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            • howaminotmyself
              11 years ago

              I knew you weren't being literal. I've just heard this a lot and it poked at a sensitive spot. I'll be quiet now.

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  • NoraBaker
    11 years ago

    Same here. So I overcompensate for it by being all the dysfunctional necessary myself.

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