But of course, not everyone has happy memories of their family. Calling this place a "family" will be interpreted through personal experience.

Now that I think about it, I've tried to gently guide the development of the HabitableZone toward a model that represents one aspect of my family experience: The dinner table conversations that, fortified by a little wine, could sometimes last late into the night. They weren't always quiet and peaceful--imagine Liberal me arguing politics with my Dad, affectionately known as "Atilla the Republican"--but we never let the conversations damage our mutual respect and love.

There is a line that's obvious to me because of my experience that may not be so obvious to others, but that's the line I try to draw here. It is possible to have a "frank and honest exchange of views" without coming to blows and burning bridges. A rhetorical opponent need not become an enemy.