I never set out to be the "cool aunt." But somewhere between allowing my niece to rely on me as a confidant, offering career advice to my oldest nephew, and inviting his younger brother to come along ...

Dear Eric: My 35-year-old niece married a 45-year-old man with two teenage kids in a small ceremony. I have always been close with her. My sister and my niece have had a somewhat up-and-down ...

Q. My 35-year-old niece married a 45-year-old man with two teenage kids in a small ceremony. I have always been close with her. My sister and my niece have had a somewhat up-and-down relationship.

They often turn to me for advice, and in turn, they teach me how to stay relevant. They also help me stay connected and feel less isolated. I never set out to be the "cool aunt." But somewhere between ...