Last weekend I traveled to Portland, home of my inlaws, to help out with a home improvement project. I figured I would help, but my role would be minor. Take a few things to the dump, help out with some sawing and other things.

Boy was I wrong.

What followed was one of the most physically taxing weekends of my life, complete with 10-hour work days, Hazmat suits and the removal of hundreds of square feet of extremely stubborn floor board. I’m still reminded of the hard work every time I try to get up or sit down.

Why did I do it? I have little knowledge or interest in construction, but I wanted to help out a family member. It got me thinking about all the other things I’ve done with, or for, family.

Whether it is wearing matching outfits while going on a run with my dad, or taking up random interests to bond with my cousins, I’m more than willing to step outside my comfort zone to fit in with the fam.

It comes down to the old saying, “you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.” So you’re stuck with these people you are related to for better or worse.

Navigating the family dynamic is important, as it prepares us for life. There’s always a couple people you don’t get along with in a family: a pesky little brother, that weird uncle who is preparing for the apocalypse.

Learning to bond and spend time with folks who don’t see life the same way as you will get you ready to navigate office politics, and relationships you form out in the world. They also are often the people who come through the most when you really need them.

Or, at the very least, they will help you rip apart a room.

Nat Levy is a staff writer for the Bellevue Reporter. He can be contacted at nlevy@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4290