Soon-To-Be Uncle Wants To Build Family Relationship
DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister just announced she is having twins. Growing up, I was always close to my siblings, although we are all different ages. There have been times when they were there when I needed them and vice versa. As we approach parenthood age, I want to ensure that love is passed down to our younger generations. I plan on being as present an uncle as I can be, but I live in New York and my sister recently moved to Florida. I will be spending the two weeks surrounding her expected labor date there, but IÕm struggling to figure out how to build and maintain a long-distance relationship with babies. My mom lives in Florida, too, so I know my sister will be supported once I leave. How can I be in my sisterÕs support system from so far away? -- Long-Distance Uncle
DEAR LONG-DISTANCE UNCLE: You have the right intentions, which is wonderful. First, check with your sister to see if the time leading up to the birth is when she needs you most. Especially if your mother is also there, your sister may need your help more a few weeks after the twins are born when the real juggling begins.
Beyond that, you can commit to loving them from afar with the aid of video calls and photos. You can be open to late-night calls from your sister when she is up with the babies or just generally let her know you want to be as present as possible from a distance. Then map out times when you can visit during the year. Plan to see your family as often as you all want, and just remember to remain present in their lives.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a crush on a classmate of mine that seems to be getting stronger throughout the year. He is handsome and polite, and he always takes the initiative to talk to me while we wait for class. He has a good balance of energy, and I feel comfortable opening up to him without feeling anxious about the reaction. I was talking to some other friends in the class about my crush, and they told me they thought he was gay. At first, I was shocked, but then I started to put certain comments and behaviors together. He hasn't ever made romantic advancements toward me, nor have I seen him flirt with anyone. I feel like guys with mature personalities often get labeled as being gay, but I just see it as him being confident in himself. Should I ask him directly to avoid making any wrong assumptions? -- Gay Crush
DEAR GAY CRUSH: Rather than assuming anything about your classmate, talk to him. Be bold. Tell him that you appreciate his company so much and are grateful to be his friend. Admit that you are beginning to develop feelings for him, and you want to know if he is interested in you. Let him tell you how he feels. It is his choice to reveal his truth, whatever that is. If he is gay, he may tell you -- depending on if he is out -- but that doesnÕt really matter. What you want to know is whether or not he is into you romantically.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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