In India families relationships with one other, love for one other, respect and integrity are some factors that are the basis. Children are taught to respect their elders, love their siblings and other family members, talk good, think good and do everything good. And if such family exists then it becomes the prime example of how a family should be.  Everybody dreams of an ideal family where elders are respected and listened to, children are obedient and successful. Happy family! But at times this is just limited to movies or stories because in real life there is much more definition that can be provided to a joint family. Joint family is something that many dream of. Living with your cousins actually is like living with your friends. Helping each other comes naturally. Family gatherings are nothing new. Everyday when you live with 16-17 members then few more doesn't bother at all. Picnics are a daily thing just a reason is required and at times even without a reason families get together. 

During hard times when the whole family stand strong with you then you realize how blessed you are. A whole family to take care of you. But when you have to move out for studies or work then life becomes really hard. That sudden change in life style makes one really weak. Every thing becomes long distance and lack of time makes it even worse. Coming back to your flat and being there alone, all tired but still can't relax because you have to cook or clean or finish some chores makes you cry. 

Video calls makes you weak because as soon as you see your family on screen all you want to do is just cry. But life demands responsibilities. So to cherish yourself you can see the old photos, plan a trip back home. Every time I went back home I got each and every family member of mine a gift. That is my way of showing them how much I love them. I buy my aunts and mother the same thing, get my cousins clothes or anything they want, shirts or kurtas for my father and uncle, a shawl maybe for my grandmother and anything according to the weather for my grandfather. Giving these all people their gifts and seeing the joy on their faces makes me content. It validates that I am doing good in life. There are ups and downs too but in the end we are a family and we are always together.