Wisconsin Rantings Part One

One day, I'll get to the point where I'll post regularly. That's a lie.

One of the greatest trials one can overcome is their cultural upbringing. For example, coming from the Northeastern Wisconsin portion of the United States puts me into a certain bias/ niche/ whatever that changes my views and perceptions of things.

Family
The private university I attend draws students from all fifty states, as well as many foreign countries. Talking with many of my friends has certainly opened my eyes to the differences in family structure between regions. One girlfriend "R" came to me slightly frustrated with her boyfriend "B" (hee. R &B...I really need to stop), who happens to hail from Michigan. R lives in North Carolina. She could not, for the life of her, understand why B kept using very final-sounding phrases like "You are my family now" when in conversation about their upcoming marriage. She was also confused as to why his mother was taking it so hard. Guaranteed, B is the oldest of ten children and any mother has the potential to be the ugly mother-in-law, but still. What was going on?
Firstly, I had to explain the Northern way of the family (le sigh). Just to be clear: this is a generalization based on my observations and my own personal experiences, and if you happen to have a loving, wonderfully accepting northern family, PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD; ADOPT ME! Ahem...then you may also disregard this post. Generally speaking, Northern families tend to be a bit more...cold...than other families. Once a child breaks away to marry someone, that child has thereby separated themselves from the original unit. The new family visits the original unit on Christmas and Easter only...any other holidays are special treats. It is not the Southern sort of hospitality where family is welcome at any time, in any weather. No, there must be a formal invitation for a visit to Grandma's, and things should be planned out. Auntie Fran always brings the broccoli salad, Uncle Greg always supplies the beer. So, when B told R "You are my family now" he sincerely meant it. He is planning on giving up everything he has in the way of family for her. She is his family. We take the ol' "leave and cleave" pretty serious up nort'.