"When you're here, you're family" - where is that place for you?

I still live at home during the summers, and I still feel at home here, although we recently moved from the house where I spent the first 20 years of my life. But increasingly, I also feel that I am at home when I am at college surrounded by my buddies.

Holiday meals have always been wonderful times for us. From the time I was a teen and even now. I have a picture of one Easter meal where all my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from both my parents families got together. It was a wonderful day.

Just last Thanksgiving at my house was a wonderful day also. All five of my grandsons were there, along with my youngest son and his wife and family. Each of the adult grandson brought a guest.

It was the first time the three adult grandsons had been in the same place for many years. They grew up here, most Summer Spring and Winter breaks, and several months while their mother was out of work. As adults, they hardly ever managed to be in the same place at the same time.

I haven’t felt like “family” with anyone who’s not my family for a long time. I grew up in the Midwest and now live in California. I feel like people here try hard to make a statement about who they are and worry a lot about how they are perceived. It is very hard to get past that and have honest conversations even when you have known someone for a while, which is very different from how I grew up.

Since my parents are dead, it is my first cousin’s house. His mom is my mother’s sister. She is sort of my other mother, and he is the “brother I never had”.

Bullwinkle’s restaurant…. the only place that had chicken better than KFC.

My partner’s cabin up North.

I’d say when I am with some of my besties from high school (which was 30 years ago)

I really don’t have any family left (long story) and I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I envy that you at least have extended family to make a ‘home’ with them. I also have no more friends since I moved overseas. I am not sure where my ‘family’ is then. It’s a lousy feeling to be completely alone that way. I’m trying to find ways to change it.

@LornaLove I am building my new family of friends, nephews and cousins bit by bit. Some are new friends and some are old cousins I am reconnecting with. Good luck with your search!

Thank you @janbb

I used to have two friends around whom I felt like family, but no more.

I feel at home at my aunt’s house. I just walk in and help myself. That’s probably the only place that is not my home.

I’m in high school and I still live with my family so I have three places: my dad’s house, my mom’s house, and the band room during marching season and even the rest of the year too.

My boyfriends parents house. They love me like my own parents should and they make me feel like I am important to someone.

My best friend’s house. It was the place where all the teenagers were welcome. Now that we’re all closing in on 50 and she owns the house, it’s still the most welcoming place I know.

I’m very comfortable other places, but they don’t feel like home.

I could probably be very comfortable with many jellies here, like @Dutchess and a few others, but normally, it’s typical in my area to go just about anywhere and feel comfortable. “Come on in, and sit right down and make yourself at home.” (that’s kind of our motto)

Any place my Mom was!

Thanks @KNOWITALL! We’re having a family get together on Sept 7. Wanna come?!

There are certain houses you walk in to and immediately feel at home. Those house are usually slightly messy, and tend to have lots of pillows and throws on the couches.

Then there are other houses that you walk in to and you feel like you’re in swanky motel or something, and you don’t want to touch a THING.

My house is slightly messy and I have lots of pillows and throws on my couch, btw!

@Dutchess_III Maybe too big a crowd for our first face-to-face, but do you have a dog or other pets? lol, a little wine and a warm dog and I’m in—hahaha!

Two dogs, Dakota and Dutchess and a cat!

@Dutchess_III Awww, precious!! I wish I knew how to put my babies on here, but I’m too lazy to learn while working..lol School me sometime!

Sure. Just say when!

My house is where I feel most like that. When my grandma was alive I felt at home with her. I loved spending time with her. It felt cozy and safe and I always felt like she was thrilled to see me.

Less and less I feel completely at home when I am staying at someone else’s house. I care about my privacy more as I get older and being comfortable. By comfortable I mean my own room and bathroom. But, just hanging out with friends I feel totally at home with my closest college girlfriends. Can be at their houses or anywhere. They make me incredibly happy.