It's no secret that the dating world can be a jungle sometimes. Here are five reasons why you're already light years ahead of the pack in the romance department, Auntie.

She's a fun font of endless conversation. Of course, a Savvy Auntie loves gushing about the great kids in her life. But obviously, those kids aren’t the only things she’s passionate about or eager to discuss. A Savvy Auntie knows when to keep kid talk in check; on a first date, she’ll just share one of her iphone photo albums labeled “Cuties.” (the other twelve slide shows can come later!)

She’s down with divorced dads. Being totally cool and comfy around kids makes the Savvy Auntie especially appealing to the single father—a guy who’s often pretty mature, serious about relationships, and in search of a woman who knows how to handle a young heart.
 
Auntie’s savviness is always “on.” On an ice cream date, she effortlessly enters a game of peekaboo with the toddler waiting for strawberry with rainbow sprinkles behind them. When headed to brunch, she doesn’t scoff at a fleet of strollers blocking the restaurant’s doorway. She’ll always toss a runaway ball back to its tiny owner. Her date gets to see her easygoing
confidence in all she does.

She remembers to ask him about the kids in his life. Just like aunties, uncles come in all forms; your date may not have a sibling with kids, but he’s probably got a buddy or two who does. It’s also likely that he doesn’t get many opportunities to talk about his unclehood (the way you do with your auntourage), so he appreciates having someone who wants to hear about it.

She trusts the young ones’ judgment. Guys think of puppies as chick magnets; Savvy Aunties know that their nieces and nephews make great guy barometers! After a few dates, she may invite a new beau on an outing with her nieces and nephews. They’ll know whether or not he’s truly Savvy Uncle material!

For more great tips, advise and insider Savvy, don't forget to pick up your copy of SAVVY AUNTIE: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Love Kids.

Published June 15, 2011