hard to compare, they all have their own strengths - sibling supports me in a way parents never did or could (i'm a woman and he's a big brother) I seriously love him and don't make any major life decisions without consulting him, and we laugh, and commiserate about our parents.

Nothing compares to spouse though, who I still adore 20 years in and who I've been through a lot with.

then there are kids, who I can't imagine could do anything that would thwart my adoration of them.

Then I have friendships - 25 years old, who go acknowledged but then when we need each other - are just there.

As crazy as my parents are, I know wither one would still lay it all down for me too.

Wow, I'm fortunate aren't I?

It should be spouse, then kids, then people like parents and siblings. You form a new family with your spouse. When your kids are grown and move in, it will just be you and spouse.

spouse then kids

Spouse

I was an only child and kids are still young.

Closest relationship of my life is with my spouse.

I don't think I can claim a 'strongest'. My husband and kids come first in my life, but I have a closeness with my twin sister that is very different than the closeness I have with my husband. She 'gets me' in ways my husband does not and is much better at chatting. At the same time, she can drive me crazy in ways my husband does not!

I'm sure I'd be close to my mom if she was still alive, but she died in my early twenties, which ultimately really strengthned my relationships with my other siblings.

My husband and my son come first. With my nuclear family of birth it used to be my mother but now it is my older sister. After that it is my dearest friends, of which I count about 8. Then my in-laws, nieces and nephews. I expect that my relationships with my nieces and nephews may deepen as they reach adulthood. These things have a flow.

My husband. Used to be my dog.

Anonymous wrote:spouse and kids

+1. My siblings have their own spouses and kids. I would hope I come after them.

Salem Slim Lights.

Nobody gets me like my best friend. But my sister is a very close second.

My mother. I do not know what I would do without her.

I'll agree that it's my sister. When my brother died, she was the only one who knew exactly what I was going through. When our parent died, she understood that too. Now I'm petrified that she will go first, and I'll be the only one left.

spouse and kids

My parents told me to always treasure my siblings because they are the ones who would be there along with you your whole lives. This got me thinking about what are the strongest bonds in people's lives. Parents? Siblings? Spouses? Children? Others?