Why We Love To Read About Imperfect Families
- Marley Betts
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
Why is reading about imperfect families so appealing? What is it that makes us want to read about other family's troubles and misfortunes?
Some might say that people like to read about those who are worse off than they are because it makes them feel better. Then they can say, "At least I'm not like that," and feel better about themselves.
It is COMFORTING.
Now, I agree that it is comforting to read about imperfect families, but it should definitely NOT be because we can elevate ourselves and look down on others.
Reading about imperfect families is comforting because it is RELATABLE.
We are all imperfect families.
So much so, that there is actually no such thing as a perfect family.
A perfect family is a myth.
Reading about imperfect families is reading about us.
There may be certain aspects of family life that appear perfect from the outside; maybe the clean house, maybe the nightly dinners around the kitchen table, maybe the thoughtful and extravagant birthday gifts, maybe the way that they communicate, the weekly date nights, the respectful children, the church attendance, the common interests... One PART of family life may appear 'perfect' to an outsider, but I can assure you that not EVERYTHING is.
This is not me trying to pull other people down.
This is me being REAL.
This is me trying to lift us all up.
This is not me accepting less-than-perfect.
We can ALWAYS do better at every aspect of family life.
This is me popping the 'Insta-Perfect Family' myth bubble. It doesn't exist.
And really, we all know that, don't we?
Imperfect families ARE perfect!
(Well, as perfect as we're going to get on this side of Heaven)
In my book, Other Than Mother, the mother and main character, Becky, is drowning. She is miserable. She is hating parenthood. She is losing herself, her purpose, and her drive.
She has nothing left to give.
I didn't write Becky because I want you to look at her and feel better about yourself because at least your life doesn't suck as much as hers. I wrote Becky because I want you to be able to relate to her. Because I think that EVERY parent has felt like Becky has as some point in their life.
Every mother can relate.
Even the 'perfect' ones.
Even the mothers who handmake perfect little, healthy lunchbox treats and pack organic vegetables that get eaten without complaint.
Even the mothers who coordinate their whole family's outfits without a single hair out of place on any child's head.
Even the mothers who rise early to make breakfast and homeschool.
The mothers who work. The mothers who don't.
Even the family whose mansion is impeccably maintained and manicured in the ritziest suburb among the coolest people with the most bestest parties.
Even they can relate.
In moments.
Honesty is the equaliser.
Imperfect families are appealing to read about because they are us, and maybe, if we're honest about it, we can get rid of the hideous unrealistic expectations that we all place on ourselves, and all feel okay about that.
Then, we can start having open and honest conversations about our struggles and begin to help one another.
It takes a village.
Much love,
Marley
x
P.S. Other Than Mother is out November 3rd 2025, in ebook and Paperback.
Available on Amazon.