Blood is thicker than water, but in what regard?

Most people will hear or use the phrase “Blood is thicker than water,” but do you know the origin and what it actually means?

Often, people will use the phrase thinking it means one thing, when the origin paints precisely the opposite picture. Blood is thicker than water might seem like it is meant to imply that the bonds of a bloodline, aka family, are stronger than the other bonds we forge throughout our life. That is where the misconception lies.

The original line that has been diluted with time and convenience is, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the wombs.” Essentially, it is the exact opposite in meaning from the paraphrased version. The bonds we choose to form with others throughout life are stronger than any bond we could share with family for that is not our choice to make.

This is not to mean that the bonds we choose to nurture with members of our family are any less meaningful, however, it is a reminder that you should not feel obligated to stick up for a family member that you disagree with simply because they have a shared heritage. It is meant to free someone from the self-imposed prison of toxic familial relationships if life had an unfortunate twist for them.

Back to the positive. When we choose our friends, our partner, and who we call family, all of these things are within our control and we have done so because they are aligned with what we believe (for the most part) and what we value in our lives. It is the unspoken bond that brings people to your aid when you are down, and drives you to act if you see them falter.

The family you are born with can, and usually is, one of the strongest bonds you retain throughout life, but don’t feel the need to overextend yourself should they act in a way that is not in alignment with your path. The blood, sweat, and tears that form any good relationship, be it romantic, platonic, or familial, mean far more than any imagined duty to birth family if they don’t have your back.

The people you choose to associate yourself with in life have implications far beyond just being there when needed. They will rub off on you in subtle ways. You will develop similar mannerisms. You will learn and grow together during the quality time spent making memories. Always remember that you have a choice who you call family, and when someone tells you that they consider you family, relish that good fortune if the feeling is mutual.