Young relatives growing up

I had a lovely lunchtime today with a young relative of mine. It's funny isn't it, when you knew them as babies and toddlers, then they go through the chrysalis years in their teens, when they are not at all interest in "aunts". And then all of a sudden, there is a newly emerged butterfly - a fully formed adult. (Well he was late, and he has lost his phone, but that may not wear off if the rest of the family is any guide). And a potential friend.
So much easier than one's own children too, because they don't have all that baggage.
So there was this charming, intelligent, chatty young man (very tall with scruffy hair, green eyes and size 13 doc martins). His great grandmother was my grandmother's sister, gottit.
I am lucky enough to have: a female first cousin who is 17 years younger than me, two delightful nieces (22 and 32) and now N as well who has the makings of a friend if we ever lived nearer. There are a few others as well dotted about, potential future friends.
Does anyone else enjoy becoming a grown-up friend of the younger generation of their families?