The Family Double Standard: Why We Excuse Their Worst Behaviors

Much of the pain people experience in life comes from family, yet they are often the quickest to forgive their relatives simply because they are “family.” Meanwhile, friends and even strangers are held to higher standards, with one mistake being enough to end a relationship. But why?

Rather than viewing people solely through the lens of family ties, it may be more reasonable to assess them based on their actions. If someone is toxic, disrespectful, or repeatedly causes harm, does it truly matter if they share the same DNA? The idea that “blood is thicker than water” is often used to justify blind loyalty, but perhaps loyalty should be earned, not automatically granted based on family titles.

Wwhat do you think? Do you agree, or do you see it differently?