The Lessons of Vanity Fair Part 1: Blood and Water

I am still reading Vanity Fair, and a part stood out:

"And so I am tempted to think that to be dispised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman." (p. 124)

Why? Jealousy. The Writer continues:

"How is it that Amelia, who had such a number of friends at school, and was so beloved there, comes out into the world and is spurned by her discriminating sex! My dear sir, there were no men at Miss Pinkerton's establishment... When George, their handsme brother, ran off directly after breakfast, and dined from home half-a-dozen times a week, no wonder the neglected sisters felt a little veaxation." (p. 125)

This quote makes you angry when you know of the fate of George and Amelia (watch the movie, then read the book).

I may be moralizing, but it appears the lesson here is that blood ought to run thicker than water till that water becomes blood (and I'm not referring to Moses), as hard as it may be at times. What do you guys think the balance should be between friends and family?