Families are great when they're great. They're also messy and tough sometimes but once we find a way of operating, there is no better place in the world to grow and be ourselves.
Life is short indeed. Way too short. That's why we need to make it the best life possible. We do that by believing in ourselves and all we're capable of. Anything that does not enhance that is probably not good to hang on to. Go for it!
Love requires a lot of attention and maintenance if it is to thrive. Perhaps listening is the most important ingredient. When we listen, we can hear and when we hear we can act.