Most of you have a friend, who also happens to be an aunt, who talks about, posts about, and shares weekly pictures of their nieces and nephews. You could never understand how they could be so obsessed with a tiny human that barely knows how to walk and only knows a limited amount of words. Trust me, I was that friend, once before, who did not understand why we were talking about a child so much. But, I quickly learned that you just won’t understand what it means to be an aunt and have that love and bond, until you have your own niece or nephew.

Being an aunt is my absolute favorite thing; it is so amazing and fun. You get attached as soon as your sibling hands you their beautiful baby. You just look at them and admire the blessing they are and dream about the person they will become. You wonder how you could ever love them more than you do at that moment…but, it’s possible and I will tell you why.

1. They don’t judge you for being weird.

2. You have someone to constantly buy something for, whether it is a holiday or not, as they are spoiled.

3. It is an excuse to partake in kids activities, such as the Science Museum, arcade games, or spending time at the playground.

4. You get to see your family more.

5. They teach you to be selfless.

6. You have someone that looks up to you.

7. You can leave after they start to get a little too grumpy.

8. Pictures or FaceTime calls can turn your day around.

9. No one is as happy to see you as they are when you walk up to the door.

10. You get called cute nicknames.

11. They love you unconditionally.

12. You teach them things, like raise the roof, or “I’m cute”.

13. They make you smile, simply by laughing or saying a new word; everything they do amazes you and makes you proud.

14. They give the best hugs and kisses.

15. They are the absolute CUTEST.

16. You will always have a best friend, or three.

So, next time your friend shows you a picture or has to leave the room to FaceTime their niece or nephew, just smile, look slightly interested, and say, “cute!” That’s all we want from you.