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Not sure if it is something I picked up from my dad but I hardly chat to friends I have made over the years. As I have grown older I have gotten closer to my fa

Not sure if it is something I picked up from my dad but I hardly chat to friends I have made over the years. As I have grown older I have gotten closer to my family including extended family. When I do meet with my friends we kick off as if we last saw each other yesterday yet sometimes it is a good 5,10 or even 15 years since we last met. The older I get the more memories I seem to have that include my family so I just focus on them. Not to say I don't talk to other people but I make way more effort and it seems much easier to talk to family. Maybe it is an African thing most of us are big on extended family. My uncle is a good 15 years older than me. Growing up he was an adult now we both adults so we can converse on the same level. Same with my dad.

52-6F-62 7y ago
Nah you just described me and my father to an extent. There are variables, but what you described really sounded familiar. And my dad’s side is Scottish. My mom is more social and cognizant if social needs (Irish). Though less so now that they’re getting older/retired. I’m not sure how well it mixes with the norms of Canadian society here. Often feels a touch off-centre but not entirely out of place. So maybe more a trait of people who just tend toward family over other social connections, and less a heritage thing?
- mmsimanga 7y ago
  Thanks for sharing. Within the extended family different people grow into different roles. You have the aunt who everyone confides in she always tells you as it is whether you want to hear it or not. But since you know it is coming from a place of love its all good. In your 20s you do all the running around. Slaughtering whatever animal needs to be slaughtered. In your 30 and 40s you the ones that make sure things move. You help organise weddings, family meetups, funerals and so on. All these occasions tend to be big back home. Then you transition into a senior role where you act as an advisor to the 30 year olds organising everything. Finally when you are grandmother/father age you just an honoured guest who can do whatever they want :-). You become the joker, family historian ... whatever you want really.

52-6F-62 7y ago

Nah you just described me and my father to an extent. There are variables, but what you described really sounded familiar. And my dad’s side is Scottish. My mom is more social and cognizant if social needs (Irish). Though less so now that they’re getting older/retired. I’m not sure how well it mixes with the norms of Canadian society here. Often feels a touch off-centre but not entirely out of place. So maybe more a trait of people who just tend toward family over other social connections, and less a heritage thing?

mmsimanga 7y ago
Thanks for sharing. Within the extended family different people grow into different roles. You have the aunt who everyone confides in she always tells you as it is whether you want to hear it or not. But since you know it is coming from a place of love its all good. In your 20s you do all the running around. Slaughtering whatever animal needs to be slaughtered. In your 30 and 40s you the ones that make sure things move. You help organise weddings, family meetups, funerals and so on. All these occasions tend to be big back home. Then you transition into a senior role where you act as an advisor to the 30 year olds organising everything. Finally when you are grandmother/father age you just an honoured guest who can do whatever they want :-). You become the joker, family historian ... whatever you want really.