I'm sure many of you are sick and tired of me bringing up subjects similar to this, but I still need to ask. What exactly are the requirements for there to be for family members not associated by blood. For weeks I've been trying to debate on how Clementine and AJ should be put into each-other's family section and almost every discussion I've seen the idea was immediately rejected. I'm aware that there was a discussion in the past about not accepting these kinds of familial bonds, but that was only because of Clem's relationship with Lee and while I would've wanted that to be true, I have to speak out and say that has nothing to do with the family tie with Clem and AJ. Clem has been taking care of AJ ever since his biological mother gave birth to him. She's practically raised AJ for four of the five years he's been alive and yet they're still not considered a part of the family. I'm not going to bother whining about how pets or romantic partners are considered family since I know that's been decided a long time ago. But I want a real explanation as for why Clem and AJ can't be seen as family. Like I said before if it's about Lee, AJ has nothing to do with that long since finished debate. Furthermore I know two instances where adoptive family bonds were accepted. Carol and Michonne. If you remember, Carol agreed to look after two sisters after their father perished. Much like Clem, Carol was tasked with being their caretaker as well as their survival mentor and also like Clem, neither children addressed her as "mom" (Although I admit Lizzie called her mom once, but Carol told her not to). As for Michonne, I'm not talking about Judith, but rather Carl. While I'm not denying Michonne and Carl's relationship did have incredible value, I don't qualify Michonne dating his dad as any kind of adoption. I know she called Carl her son when she was talking to Negan, but that was more of a sentimental value like how Rick said Daryl was his brother. While I personally don't want to ruin these threads, I'm trying to point out that Clem and AJ's relationship as adoptive mother and son is no different than the adoptive families you have signed off on. The only other difference I can see besides the Lee argument is how Clem is, but I don't see that as a big issue.
Please respond.