The rise of individualism and the possibility of recourse to State — or market — provided services pose challenges to family bonds. But does this mean that these bonds are weakened? Using recent research based on interviews with members of seven family networks, we try to understand the new family reality. By describing mutual aid and gift-giving situations in their family networks, respondents came to define the nature of their family ties. Their actions are characterized by a giving spirit and by spontaneity. The social meaning of the ties oscillate, between the extremes of obligation and freedom. Finally, the State and the market are used, when possible, to reinforce the ties.