1. It diminishes every trace of baby fever that most 20-something girls have

Don't get me wrong, you love your niece and/or nephew, but you've seen firsthand that babies aren't always smiles and sunshine. Most girls your age are going through a baby fever phase, staring googley-eyed at every baby they see in public. You have already spent a significant amount of time around babies though, so you aren't dying to have kids anytime soon.

2. It teaches you what loving someone more than yourself truly means

Yes, you've fallen in and out of love with a boyfriend/girlfriend before, but being an aunt is such a different type of love. Your nieces and nephews are your pride and joy, and you would do absolutely anything to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. You value your niece and/or nephews' needs more than your own, and you could never put in to words how much you love them.

3. You can experience the joys of having children, without actually having children

You're lying if you say you've never taken your niece/nephew in public, and gotten happy when a stranger asks how old "your child" is. That's like the best part of aunthood, pretending that you're some sophisticated, mature mother. You can spend as much time with your favorite tiny humans as you want, but at the same time you can opt out of all the downsides that come along with kids. Poopy diaper, temper tantrum, or runny nose isn't a problem for you, that's when you can decide that your aunting duties end and hand the child back to his/her parents.

4. It makes you mature faster than everyone else

Being an aunt is actually a really big responsibility, and being part of a child's life is a demanding task. You aren't their parent, but you are still around them quite a bit and you will undoubtedly impact who they are and how they turn out. Being a good influence, while also always being there to take care of your niece/nephew when you're needed makes you a more mature, dependable person.

5. You don't have kids yet, so you can give your niece/nephew all of your love and attention

Basically, kids are still a cool and exciting thing to you. Something tells me that when I start having kids of my own I'll be less excited when my brother or sister have more kids. I don't have my own children to focus on right now, so all of my maternal instinct and love goes to my niece and nephew. My niece and nephew are absolutely spoiled with love, and I love being able to give them all of my focus.

6. It's the toughest and most rewarding job in the world

It's too bad you can't put 'I'm an aunt' on a resume because none of your odd-end jobs in college taught you as much as this job has. Your niece/nephew has taught you about the importance of being responsible, how to love someone so deeply, how to put your needs aside for others, how to handle hectic situations, and how priceless happiness is. No job in your 20's will ever come close to being as rewarding as being an aunt is, unless of course you end up having kids of your own.

7. It keeps you grounded

Being in your 20's is a confusing and difficult time; you're going through a lot of heartbreaks, hardships, and tough decisions. No matter how rough of a day/week/year you've had, seeing the excitement on your niece/nephew's face when you walk in the door makes everything better. Being an aunt reminds you that you are always loved and needed, and it is a constant reminder that family is what matters most.