cousin relationship - telling family ?

Question

i have been having a relationship with my cousin for over a year now, i want to tell direct family members (brother, sister, parents) - has any one else been in this situation and told family - what was their reaction ?
i expect to get some answers from small minded and ignorant people who dont agree with this kind of relationship, but would really love to hear from people who have / or are in a similar situation ?
thanks!

thanks for everybodys answers - where i live it is legal to marry a cousin, which i guess is something in my favour. also, it doesnt have the same stigma as it does in the US. I have already told most of my friends, all have been really great - but it is obviuosly my family i am most concerned about ! as far as kids go - i am happy to adopt - always have been regardless of my situation.

Answer 1

Havent myself but you can actualy marry your cousin, good luck in telling the family.

Answer 2

Go to http://www.cousincouples.com/ for the FACTS.

The whole birth defect thing is one huge myth. It might be somewhat true for real incest (like Father-Daughter) but NOT for cousins.

Cousin couples are great and typically have much closer bonds of love and commitment than other couples.

Ignore the morons on here who are simply repeating third party information they've heard but haven't independently researched themselves.

Yes, there is a social stigma involved. It's no different than the opinions on mixed-raced marriages in the 19th and early 20th century. Mostly prejudice and taboo with no real moral or scientific basis.

Answer 3

No experience with this but don't expect a friendly response from relatives. The normal reaction will have the "ewwwww" factor so make sure you are ready and willing to handle that. If you are both of legal age and able to go independent of your families then make the decision that will make you both happy. Hopefully some of your family members will come around to support you eventually. But be prepared if they don't!

Answer 4

Be prepared to be disowned. I'm not small minded, it's a possibilty.

Think where the relationship is going to go. You won't ever be able to get married, having children could cause them to be born with genetic abnormalities and you'll have to worry about what every person you meet in the future thinks. You might lose friends and family through this. All because you wana have a silly little fling. Think about the consequences.

Answer 5

I don't care what you do ..but watch out for reaction from your family !! all sorts of repercussions can come from your relationship with your cousin !Twenty-four states have laws forbidding first cousins from marrying,
and seven states have limits like requiring genetic counseling.First cousins are somewhat more likely than unrelated parents to
have a child with a serious birth defect, mental retardation or
genetic disease, but their increased risk is nowhere near as large
as most people think, the scientists said.

In the general population, the risk that a child will be born with a
serious problem like spina bifida or cystic fibrosis is 3 percent to
4 percent; to that background risk, first cousins must add another
1.7 to 2.8 percentage points,

Answer 6

Just read w/in past 24 hrs. there are no genetic reasons cousin should not reproduce. 2% increase in hereditary factors casing defects. Love is too dear not to act on it. Pray prepare yourself for family reactions. If you two are serious go for it!

Answer 7

Technically it is legal but if I were you prepare for the worst. Family will obviously think this is wrong, not because they are small minded but many people like myself believe the bonds of family should never be crossed.

Good luck whatever you do but if I were you just prepare for the worst.

Answer 8

You don't want to marry your cousin, even if it is legal. I loved my cousins but I knew it could not be a relationship but good luck to you.

Answer 9

I personally don't agree with your choice, however... I do have some experience that may or may not help you. My Great Aunt and Uncle are Cousins... They were married (had to do it in canada) About half of my family just pretened they weren't related, and the other half was... disturbed.
I just know that my cousins turned out... a little 'Off' that is why I don't agree with the choice. Insest can cause genetic problems and or mental retardation in kids.

Answer 10

I dont think they would be happy about it. Dating your cousin is fine but its another story if you want kids together because if you have a baby with someone who is related to you by blood there could be defects. You may not like my answer but its true.