Uncles can often be seen as a replacement father figure by nieces and nephews. It is a chance to experience a relationship with someone who may bear similarities to your father, having grown up in the same family, but at the same time is not your father. He is not responsible for you, and is therefore able to share a less restrictive relationship. You may use your relationship with you uncle as a way to explore who you are and what might be possible in your relationship with your father. He may be able fulfill emotional needs that may not have been met from your father.