There's an awful lot of blood around that water is thicker than

There’s an awful lot of blood around that water is thicker than

Mignon McLaughlin, an American journalist and author, is known for her witty and insightful observations on life, love, and human nature. One of her most famous quotes is, “There’s an awful lot of blood around that water is thicker than.” This quote speaks to the idea that family bonds are often stronger and more enduring than any other relationships we may have in our lives.

The phrase “blood is thicker than water” is a common saying that emphasizes the importance of family ties. It suggests that the bonds we share with our relatives are stronger and more significant than those we have with friends or acquaintances. However, McLaughlin’s twist on this phrase adds a darker and more complex layer to the concept.

When she says, “There’s an awful lot of blood around that water is thicker than,” McLaughlin is highlighting the fact that family relationships are not always easy or straightforward. Blood ties can be messy, complicated, and fraught with conflict. The “blood” in this context represents the emotional baggage, expectations, and history that come with family connections. It can be heavy and burdensome, weighing us down and causing us pain.

On the other hand, “water” symbolizes the freedom, fluidity, and lightness that come with relationships of choice. Friendships, romantic partnerships, and other connections we make outside of our family circle can be refreshing, rejuvenating, and liberating. They offer us the opportunity to create our own support systems, build new traditions, and define our own sense of belonging.

McLaughlin’s quote suggests that while family bonds may be strong, they are not always the healthiest or most fulfilling relationships in our lives. Sometimes, the “water” of chosen relationships can be more nourishing and life-giving than the “blood” of family ties. It reminds us that we have the power to create our own families, to surround ourselves with people who lift us up and bring out the best in us.