Apparently growing up I was oblivious to the whole family dynamics/drama aspect because I never realized it existed. Until I met my wife's family. Anyone who has seen the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" would see things how it is in her family (except for the Greek part). I remember meeting her family for the first time and being sufficiently overwhelmed -- they were loud, laughing, in-your-face kind of people who loved to eat, drink (sweet tea), and be merry. I wasn't used to this kind of behavior. I was used to having a quiet family dinner at special occasions, but even then my family is absent in almost every form so seeing the broad contrast between the two almost gave me an anxiety attack. Almost. Now that I've been in her family for 6 years I have witnessed things first hand. The family who almost always has something dramatic going on: runaway sister, abusive brother-in-law, mouthing off little brothers, just to name a few. There is always something. But in the end I realize something about them. Despite the bickering, opinion filled lunches and dinners we almost always laugh and have a good time. Yes they are up in our business, yes they annoy me, and yes, I will go crazy because of them one day, but in the end they really do all love each other. I have witnessed this time and time again.
As for my family, drama still exists, just in the silent dinners and family gatherings where we all pretend everything is kosher and no one has any problems with anybody. They just are better at keeping their mouths shut.
I think I prefer the loud-mouthed ways myself.
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