Re: A bitter-sweet GM...

Cherish the connection. Those are rare enough.

M was there by the niece's invitation. Don't press and it might happen again on its own.

But you are right that your niece needs quality attention. And should, if she feels like it, ask you to divide yours rather than find hers being halved on your instigation.

IIRC, there was someone here whose LG relative caught on to his crush on her friend. That can place awkward pressure all ways 'round.

If only we lived in a society where nobody cared if we followed-up as we can with adult relationships. "Hey, I liked our convo at Chad's party. Want to go out for coffee and continue where we left off?"

Dante