I had a brother who was my savior, made my childhood bearable.
Maurice SendakRead
The word dysfunction has, I think, served its purpose and now has lost its meaning. Every family, like every person, is imperfect, after all. The idea that there is a family somewhere who functions, is an odd concept. In my youth I was running from my family to try to find out who I was-their influence distracted me. Now I see what a powerful hold they have, no matter what.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Dysfunction is a normal aspect of every family, highlighting the imperfections that shape individual identity.
In this quote, Susan Minot expresses the idea that the term 'dysfunction' no longer accurately represents the complexities of family life, as every family possesses its own imperfections. She reflects on her past desire to escape her family's influence in search of self-identity, only to realize later the significant impact they have on her life, emphasizing the inescapable bond of family despite its flaws.
Themes
DysfunctionFamilyIdentityImperfectionInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a family therapy session, discussing the idea of dysfunction in families.
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