It was 97 degrees in Baltimore last week. I was sweating my guts out watching all the beloved high-school graduates tripping down and then back up the aisle. In between, a tad more than too many people gave advice:
It’s okay to fail; explore a variety of career options; and, your parents have never been prouder so now would be a good time to ask for money.
It was lovely and despite the heat, a great joy to see my niece get her diploma.
Days later, I woke up thinking “oh man, they forgot some of the most important advice.” Aunty-strength advice.
Honey, sit down so I can tell you a few things.
First of all, sex is supposed to be fun*. If it’s not, that’s not good sex. If you find yourself needing to get drunk to have sex, then you are missing out. And Jello shots? A really bad idea—here’s why.
When you go to parties, go with your friends and watch out for each other. If you see a guy friend dragging a girl off drunk, yell at him to knock it off. Or just grab her and get her out of there. Ask your friends to do the same for you.
And lastly, are you on birth control? No? Honey, do you think you want to have kids? Is now a good time to do that? Have a baby when you want to have a baby. And trust your gut. If a guy gives you even a little tiny uh-oh, tell him he has to go talk to your aunty.
Aunties everywhere. Figure out what you want to say and speak up! This is what we are for. Believe me, our nieces and nephews want realistic advice and need someone to talk to.
How about it?
*this website appears with a scary warning you have to click past. Fear not, this is a super thoughtful and well written blog.
Can You Relate? 