Although we have a 22 month old daughter and thereby a genuine family by Microsoft (and many other companies/people's) definition, my wife and I consider ourselves and our two dogs a family before our daughter arrived. Even if we had no pets, I think we would have considered ourselves a family of two. Where does the definition of family start for you?
A family only needs to be two people, in my opinion.
I would agree that it need only be two people, I just wonder when that moment occurs that somehow makes these two people a "family"? Some subjective grey there.
I think that's when two people make a commitment to each other. And that doesn't have to be a traditional marriage or civil union, just an understanding between two people that their lives are merging. How's that for unclear? :)
:) thanks, that is absolutely unclear. I have found that some things don't have a clear beginning, you just know when you are there.
Hey clairewalsh and Steven -- I only just discovered this conversation now. That's a great question about what makes a family. I'll give it some thought and ask it on my blog in due course. - Lil
I look forward in hearing what you and your readers think too! :)