I'm still thinking along the lines of family. These days, family is being "redefined" to include just about any collection of creatures, even including pets. This may seem all-inclusive and welcoming and everything but it also tends to minimize the significance of the relationships. Although I may really love my pet and it's been with me a long time, it is not going to carry on my name or my genes. There are legitimate circumstances for having a family that could be viewed as "non-traditional". Sometimes people, no matter how badly they desire it, will never have the chance to marry or to have children of their own. They may not be in a position to adopt children even if they would like to. Family, like so many other concepts, has an ideal definition. This might be similar to the weight charts doctors have. For my height and age and gender, I should fall within certain parameters for my weight. If I don't, it is considered less healthy so I should strive to achieve a weight within those limits. In the meantime, I go on living and doing my best rather than simply justify myself and make no alterations to my lifestyle unless I am willing to suffer the consequences. Those who have sought guidance from God, who knows WAY more than we do, can gain from the words of prophets who are God's messengers. (Confirmation of their authority is readily available through prayer and inspiration from the Holy Ghost.) There are a group of men currently serving as God's prophets on the earth today. Their guidance to us reinforces what prophets throughout history have instructed us and gives us added clarification for today's issues. In 1995, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued a Proclamation defining family and giving instruction for the ideal function thereof. They said:
We.........solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God......
All human beings- male and female- are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
So far, we can learn that God created  us, as humans create babies, in HIS image, male and female. We do not have four legs or fur or shells or tails. We are loved by Him, not just His subjects to order around. Since we are His children, we are destined to have the potential to become like He is. Our gender, male or female, is really important. Neither gender is superior or inferior. Going on they said:
We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife...........Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity........Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended family should lend support when needed. We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity........... will one day stand accountable before God.
This is where it gets strained in today's "anything goes" morality. Loving ALL other people is a commandment. However, SEX (which is NOT THE SAME AS LOVE) with other people should only occur within certain limits. God has made it clear what those limits are: a man and a woman who have been legally and lawfully married. NOTHING ELSE is within God's definition of family or marriage. Through living prophets He has stated that there are "circumstances" which may necessitate individual adaptation but we should be careful what circumstances we try to squeeze by. Women may feel intimidated by men so they're more comfortable with other females. Nobody is required to get married to anybody. We can choose to live a life as a single. Recently I saw a segment on tv describing "swingers", who are basically people who have married someone but have an "open" relationship where they agree to have sex with anyone else whenever they want. I heard a woman explain that it has "helped her marriage to be stronger" because they communicate and are so open about their feelings and desires. (They even have 3 children!!) Obviously, this is not within the Lord's definition of circumstances to necessitate adaptation. The covenant, whatever one they used, between such persons is definitely not very meaningful as a covenant between two people. People these days talk about their "significant other", usually meaning a person they have chosen to develop a regular relationship with often meaning having unlimited sexual relations and even living together, but without an official covenant of fidelity to each other. It's basically just a "verbal agreement", if even that formal. The difficulty comes when children are produced. They become an often accidental result of the physical urges being satisfied between these two consenting adults. The parent-child relationship is solid genetically but may not feel stable otherwise. (Are verbal agreements in business always binding or accountable?) God has given us the freedom to choose whatever we want. Man-made governments often hold accountable those who violate others through murder, theft, rape(depending on the culture!), and other actions. We, His children, have decided that we want to be able to define and use our procreative powers (sex) in whatever way WE want, no matter what He wants. We can do that. But one day we "will stand accountable before God." That is why I cannot condone same-sex marriage, adultery, fornication, pedophilia, or anything like that. I still love those people who indulge themselves in those ways. I truly love them, but I don't agree that what they're doing is perfectly alright. Even if I have indulged in sex before marriage in my younger days, I can't say it was right. I know it was wrong. I even felt it was wrong at the time when the world of the 60's and 70's was trying to redefine moral standards. I was confused then but am not any longer. For me personally, I have sincerely repented and feel forgiven because I have absolutely no intention of ever repeating the indiscretion (sin). This doesn't mean I judge or condemn anyone who lives otherwise. I am grateful that THAT is not my job! I definitely don't have the wisdom for that kind of authority and don't expect to have it soon. I just have finally understood what are the best guidelines for achieving long-term happiness. I intend to stick with them no matter what confusion reigns around me. After all, I will stand before God alone and account for my thoughts, deeds, and actions. Besides, I feel better about myself if I am striving for a higher standard and I have to live with myself forever!