Relatives and family

Is there a difference between a family and relatives? Are they the same thing...or is family someone you feel connected with, and a relative is someone who shares your DNA?

I was thinking about this this week...thinking about my own family and some members who at one time I was close to. One in particular, a cousin. As children we were close. We shared holidays, sleep overs at grandma's and trips to the beach.

We were family. Now we are relatives. And for some reason I don't really understand...it is now distant relatives. The type that don't exchange holiday cards or laughter.

Rather sad.