"Happy or unhappy, families are all mysterious. We have only to imagine how differently we would be described - and will be, after our deaths - by each of the family members who believe they know us"

Gloria Steinem's quote reflects on the enigmatic nature of familial relationships and how they form and are formed by individual perceptions. She suggests that families, regardless of their state of joy, are naturally intricate, veiled in a layer of secret that is tough to permeate fully.

The first part of the quote presumes that every family, whether pleased or dissatisfied, has a fundamental secret. This can be translated to suggest that household dynamics are complex and multifaceted, frequently involving layers of history, feeling, and unmentioned understanding that outsiders-- and in some cases even insiders-- can not fully grasp. This intricacy occurs from the unique mix of characters, relationships, and experiences that each household encompasses.

Steinem then indicates that within a household, each member holds their own unique viewpoint on every other member. This concept highlights the subjective nature of familial relationships: each person's understanding of another in the household is colored by individual experiences, biases, and feelings. It implies that even within the closest of families, people can perceive one another in vastly various ways.

The notion that we would be explained differently by each member of the family, especially after our deaths, underscores the plurality of stories that coexist within a household. One's life story, as translucented the lenses of different family members, might differ significantly, resulting in contrasting depictions of the very same life. This difference recommends that an individual's identity is not a particular, set principle however rather a composite of converging and diverging perspectives.

In essence, Steinem's quote invites reflection on the diverse and subjective nature of family bonds. It obliges us to acknowledge the varied narratives and interpretations that exist within families, stressing the idea that our understanding of one another-- and even of ourselves-- is perpetually insufficient, a work in development formed by understanding and time.