I thought not having kids was my biggest regret in life. I realized that I could be the cool aunt instead.

The author didn't have kids and is now the cool aunt and dog mom.

Courtesy of the author

• I smiled through holidays as the "cool aunt" while quietly grieving the life I thought I'd have.
• A friend's offhand comment made me see that my child-free life had real benefits, not just loss.
• Presence doesn't require parenthood — my niece called it "the aunt influence" before leaving for college.

In my 30s, I was the only one of my three siblings who wasn't married or starting a family.