You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family.. Or can you?

Growing up people always talk about how important your family is. Which makes sense.. But, as I have gotten older and developed my own opinions and ways in life my "family" kinda sucks. By no means am I referring to my mom, my dad, my siblings or even Mike (Shocking, I know..) -- JUST KIDDING MIKE, LOVE YOU.

I read an article recently written by Chloe Carmichael, a psychologist. She said it is important to make a clear distinction between toxic people and people you simply don't like or who don't share your values. She believes there are two types of toxic people someone who clearly shows an extreme amount of disrespect or actual malice towards you, and someone whose level of disrespect and malice towards themselves causes them to disrupt the lives of everybody else around them.

The amount of family members that came to mind when reading Chloe's article was UNMATCHED. But, it did bring me a bit of comfort to know that I am not alone, and that people have experienced the same feelings I have.

Toxic love should not be tolerated. No one wants to think about cutting off communication with a family member or loved one. But, when emotional well-being is at risk -- it becomes necessary. I have struggled with this for awhile. The want to be accepted.. ESPECIALLY BY FAMILY.

But, truth of the matter is that some people just won't like you, no matter how hard you try or want to be liked.