The family is one of the pillars of society, so its structure and function reflect social changes. The traditional family unit has developed significantly over the past 30 years. At the moment there is no single concept of family that is universally valid. But while the family structure may have changed, its meaning has not changed. In fact, there are many reasons why family is important to happiness. 

• Sure, we can't choose our "blood" family. For the most part, family interactions are a mix of great and not-so-great experiences. But we can make up for this by choosing our "fit" family members, a tribe of people who are not related to us but who show their support and demonstrate that they are there for us so we don't have to feel lost in times of need. 
• In fact, blood is not always thicker than water. As someone who has spent most of her life without family members, I have learned that actions speak louder than words (or rather blood ties).
• Over the years I have been able to count on the support of people who were not related to me, in different countries and at different stages of life. My family was not always present, but being close to "my tribe" helped me through difficult times. 
•  This has shaped my own quest for wellness. In this article, we will see why family is essential to happiness and the benefits of being closely related to loved ones. 

 Why Family Matters for Happiness: What the Science Says 

 One of the reasons family is necessary for happiness is that it (generally) provides financial stability in our early years. Meeting our basic needs is essential when laying the foundations for a happy life. However, 

 studies show that the link between family and happiness extends beyond money or possessions. The researchers followed hundreds of families for a decade and found that the quality of family ties was more important than income for overall happiness. 

 Researchers around the world found that support is one of the reasons family is important to happiness. And this support goes both ways: According to one study, nearly 70 percent of parents rely on their children's emotional support. And research shows that knowing someone has your back can counteract stress, depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem. 

 Sibling relationships are particularly important for emotional well-being. In a survey, more than 60 percent of those surveyed said that their siblings are their best friends. Evolutionary biologists say this could be because we share half of our genes, so we are predisposed to closeness and respond positively to it. But depending on our background, there may be some differences in the way families contribute to happiness. 

 6 reasons why family is important for happiness 

 1. Mutual support and solidarity 

 The people we consider to be families foster a sense of reciprocity, trustworthiness, and trust. Caring for our loved ones and being cared for by them provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. 

 2. Protection from the outside world 

 Healthy families are a haven from trouble and provide a safety net when things go wrong. Think of the boost you get when obstacles in life are tough and you spend time doing something fun with your loved ones. And it's more than a feeling: Studies have shown that having a good free time with our family can avoid and cope with stress. 

 3. Encouragement 

 A study from the UK showed that the encouragement of parents and grandparents was the main reason adolescents became involved in altruistic cases. And the relationship between altruism and greater well-being is well documented; you probably know that being good is good. 

 4. Unconditional love and support 

 Knowing that you have a network of people you can always count on is beneficial to our physical and emotional health. Our “tribe” accepts us as we are, which is the key to a positive image of ourselves. And research shows that the benefits go both ways, both for those who receive love and support and for those who receive love and support. 

 5. Shared experiences 

 We are all in this together, and that helps us forge stronger connections and enrich our appreciation for others. Studies show that shared experiences can increase the effects of positive emotions. The memory of shared experiences can also increase our well-being. 

 6. A sense of belonging

 Here is a final reason why family is important to happiness. The researchers compared people with and without a strong sense of belonging. The results were clear: those who felt they belonged to a support group said they were happier. According to psychologists, belonging is a basic need, and meeting that need helps us to be more resilient and also