One thing my parents taught me
is to never settle for anything less
'less I end up with a marriage like them

My father teaches me
to search for qualities he has
and avoid that man real fast

My mother taught me that
being alone is better than being
in a lifetime contact with
someone such as my father.

Being in this family has given me a long list of what not to do in order to have a healthy relationship.

To have a real family.

And so with those bulleted points I made my own.

In the form of my friends.
I had created a boundary,
I talk to them and listen.
Not just do all the talk.
I ask them what's wrong if I feel like they're not doing okay.
I give them things without them asking,
And not used it against them later...