DEAR ABBY: I am a first-time uncle of a 4-month-old nephew. My brother and sister-in-law are extremely close with my wife and me. We see them three or four times a week, and we are very fond of our nephew. I love being an uncle, and my wife loves being an aunt.
My sister-in-law grew up calling all her parents' friends "Aunt Sally," "Aunt Jenna" and so on. Naturally, she plans to have my nephew call her friends "aunt" and "uncle" as well. I feel that being an aunt or uncle is much more than just a title. We are family; we are blood. I'm a bit put off when I hear my sister-in-law say, "Here's Uncle John," when they see "John" only a couple of times a year. He's not an uncle to my nephew! Should I be offended, or is it just a title like saying "Mr."? -- REAL UNCLE IN MARYLAND
DEAR REAL UNCLE: Simmer down. Your SIL is using the term as an honorary title. As you stated, she does this because it's the way she was raised. In no way does it diminish either your emotional or blood tie with your nephew.