Thanks to all the television tropes, Facebook memes and Youtube spoofs, the word “Aunty” comes with a mental image of a catty, meddling middle-aged woman with terrible intentions and far too much time on her hands. While the national pastime of meddling into someone else's business certainly provides us with plenty of real-life examples to quote from, here's a reminder that there are still aunties out there who rock, and without whom, life would be that much duller.
If you know one or more of these, your life is awesome. If you happen to be one of those aunties, we love you!
The nashta dispenser
No matter what time of the day you drop in, or how frequently, you can't visit this Aunty (usually a friend's/group-mate's mother) and not have her feed you chock full of yummy nashta. She might prepare it herself, have someone at hand to make it for you, or even keep her cupboards stocked with store-bought goodies, but one thing is for sure; this lady believes in keeping you fed.
When you're a young student, spending hours on the road shuttling between school and coaching classes, and there are miles to go before you go home, this Aunty stands between you and starvation.
The willing ear
This might be a family friend of sort. She's the “cool” one, the non-judgemental one, who listens carefully when your parents won't, and dispenses good advice in a way you're more receptive to. She will keep your secrets for you, so you feel more comfortable sharing things with her. As a member of the “grown-up” club, but with the objective perspective of an outsider from the family, this Aunty is useful as a bridge between you and your folks, if things get hairy. If you need an adult to reason with your family for any reason, whether it's about the subject you chose to study, or the boy you want to date, this is the Aunty you call.
The treat
This Aunty either travels a lot, or lives abroad, so you don't see her very often, but when you do, she's always got something cool for you. She's the one with impeccable taste, and a generous heart to match. She's also the reason why you didn't mind when your own parents were strict about your allowance because somehow she'd balance it out. This Aunty gives you the best, most well-thought-out gifts, sends you cards (with a little extra something tucked inside, naturally) when you do well in your exams, or when you get promotions, and in general, spoils you silly.
The icon
She might be a supermom, one half of a power couple, or chose career over domestic bliss, or even rocking a divorce. It doesn't matter what her relationship status is; she isn't defined by them. This Aunty has her own career or passion project. She's good at what she does, and shows by example that a woman can be in control of her life. She has her own money, is fiercely independent, and in general, a very strong person. You look up to her as a role model, and she inspires you.
The SOS
This Aunty is most likely your mother's best friend, or a very close family friend. She's the one on the family speed dial, the first one on the scene with chicken soup when one of you gets hospitalised, and parks herself in your kitchen making tea for guests when there's a death in the family. It is very likely you had her name down in “Emergency contact” after your parents, because she's one of the few people your folks would trust to pick you up from school when they weren't able to. She's been a rock for your parents, and a constant, reassuring presence in your childhood memories, and probably well into your adulthood.
