Relationship Advice from an Uncle to His Niece

I'm an uncle, a very proud, newly minted uncle. People keep congratulating me, which is odd because I really didn't do anything (perhaps this is how God feels when baseball players thank him for his help in winning the pennant). Still, it's a special feeling. I know that nothing is less interesting than hearing someone drone on about his nieces and nephews; I'll try to keep this intro as short and sweet as possible:

Her name is Aasta (like "Pasta," but without the "P"), aka, Princess Boobysucker. The name Aasta comes from Old Norse, and means "Beloved." She looks like a little elf, weighs in at six pounds (the baby equivalent of Featherweight) and spends remarkably little time crying. Her heroic mom could not be doing better. It has been decided I will be called "Crazy Uncle Jack," which I am completely on board with.

Although it will be some time before I have to dispense this "wisdom" (her father hopes never), I thought I'd take this opportunity to share the dating and relationship advice I plan on passing on to my little niece when the time is right:

1. Stay away from guys like me.

I'm a good guy, but frankly, we're all the same. We all want one thing. Especially when we're younger and as new to the world of girls as Aasta is to the world itself. That being said, my advice is to be critical not cynical, skeptical not suspicious. Especially when it comes to boys.

2. "Manners maketh man."

This quotation from William of Wykeham (a 14th century Bishop of Winchester) was imparted to me by the headmaster of my school and is both words to live by and words to judge boys by. Manners can be the ballgame because they are ultimately just consideration for others. The small things matter: Does he open doors, pull out chairs, listen carefully and ultimately put your feelings before his own?