It is possible to survive without family but it can be a huge drawback. My sister died in 1982, dad in '89 and mom in '90. Some of the main drawbacks:1. You meet a woman, she has tons of family and you have none. This has happened many times. There are so many of them to "judge" you and sway her oppinion of you and her decision to get involved. You have only yourself, your intuition and logic to decide about "her". In the end, for me it was a losing battle because of sheer "strength in numbers". 2. You've already gotten involved with her. Every family member of hers has their own problems and baggage. If it becomes her problem it becomes your problem. Soon you can become overwhelmed by her family. 3. You have no one to turn to when things go wrong, no "safety net" emotional or otherwise. When she's gone, there is no one to turn to. 4. A lot of families judge the new guy by his family. "If you want to know the tree you need to look at his roots". Since there is no information available, you can and will be easily dismissed by them. 5. Some of her family members, mainly brothers, may have violent tendencies. This can place the new guy in danger. 6. If a dispute with her starts, her family will always award "credibility" to her, no matter what she says.
There are many more reasons why having a family is plus in your favor. Once they are gone, their gone. I've found that most consider it depressing if they ask for my story and I tell it. People have a natural desire about another's family/past, but telling a story that's too depressing(even if none of it was your fault) drives them away. I find it's best to "alter" my story a little. I don't mention my sister, I say I was an only child. It cuts down on the depression factor a little. It has been hard living this way, but survival is neccesary. I agree you can find(or try to find) a new family, but it gets harder the older you get. Once you pass 45yo, it becomes almost impossible. Other people your age are so ingrained into their lives and children(some even have grandchildren) and the doors are all closed. I found women when I was in my 30's fairly regularly because they were more "flexable".
I can't say I'm content, no. Is it possible to be? Yes. You must have freinds who care, belong to some "group".....the military comes to mind. They say that is like a brotherhood.
There are many more reasons why having a family is plus in your favor. Once they are gone, their gone. I've found that most consider it depressing if they ask for my story and I tell it. People have a natural desire about another's family/past, but telling a story that's too depressing(even if none of it was your fault) drives them away. I find it's best to "alter" my story a little. I don't mention my sister, I say I was an only child. It cuts down on the depression factor a little. It has been hard living this way, but survival is neccesary. I agree you can find(or try to find) a new family, but it gets harder the older you get. Once you pass 45yo, it becomes almost impossible. Other people your age are so ingrained into their lives and children(some even have grandchildren) and the doors are all closed. I found women when I was in my 30's fairly regularly because they were more "flexable".
I can't say I'm content, no. Is it possible to be? Yes. You must have freinds who care, belong to some "group".....the military comes to mind. They say that is like a brotherhood.
