Enmeshment or Just a Close-Knit Family? Have We Forgotten the Difference?

A family that talks every day isn't necessarily enmeshed. A mother who wants to spend time with her adult children isn't automatically controlling. And living in a multigenerational household doesn't mean someone lacks independence.

So where is the line between a close-knit family and an unhealthy family system?

In this article, I explore the difference between closeness and intrusiveness, how our experiences shape our interpretations of family relationships, and why healthy independence doesn't have to mean disconnection.