Last week my blog post was about maintaining a healthy relationship with your parents while away at college and becoming an adult. However, you aren’t always going to have a healthy relationship with your parents, or anyone for that matter.
Despite what you and your parents may be disagreeing about at a given time, there is always someone you can turn to who understands how difficult your parents can be. For me, that person is my Aunt Kim, or as I called her growing up, Auntie Kimmy.
My Aunt Kim and me at Christmas in 2011.
My aunt is the typical wine-drinking, life-loving, advice-giving, fun aunt you see in movies or read about in books. She is the most self-less and positive person I know and is dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle and she has inspired me to embody these qualities.
She is my mother’s half sister and they may not have grown up in the same household, but they grew up as best friends and went to the same school. The relationship my mother and my aunt have has inspired me to strengthen the relationship I have with my own sister.
Today is National Aunt and Uncle Day, so here are some reasons I love having a close relationship with my aunt and encourage you all to develop a close relationship with your aunt or uncle:
1. They are the perfect people to vent to
The siblings of your parents have known your parents much longer than you have. Not only do they have a lot of embarrassing stories of your parents your parents would never tell you themselves, they also understand them. So, when you think your parents are being difficult or unreasonable, give your aunt or uncle and call and vent to them. I know I have always been able to do that with my aunt and it has kept me sane.
2. Sometimes they’re the few people who can get through to your parents
Similar to the first reason, your aunt/uncle may be the only people who can put your parents in their place and tell them they are being ridiculous about something. Your parents may not always listen to you because you are the child and they are the parent and think because of this they are always right and might pull the classic “because I said so” line. Your parents are probably more likely to listen to another adult who they trust, especially their sibling. So, have your aunt or uncle call your parents if you need someone on your side to stick up for you.
3. They give the best (and most real) advice!
When you have a close relationship with your aunt or uncle you can trust them to tell them anything without the fear of getting in trouble. You can tell them every stupid thing you have done and ask for help putting the pieces of your life back together.
4. They spoil you and also encourage your every move
Recently, I’ve been trying to live a healthier lifestyle and eat healthier. When my aunt heard about this she sent me a book in the mail about having a healthy body and mind titled “The solution to the Dangers of Modern Nutrition” by Dr. B.J Hardrick. It was such a simple gesture but meant a lot to me, and I cannot wait to read this book! Then, for my birthday, she got me Maximized Living Protein powder that doesn’t have any gluten, soy, GMO’s or artificial flavors.
5. Your aunt/uncle can be a role model in your life in addition to your parents
As I stated earlier, my aunt has inspired me to be more selfless, positive and healthy. My aunt puts a lot on her plate, drops everything to help her loved ones, and handles this all with such grace.
Whether you have an aunt or an uncle (or both) you’re close with, give them a call this week and tell them how much you appreciate them being in your life.
