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Cousin Relationships Sometimes Turn to Love
In modern times, romantic cousin relationships are often thought to be similar to incest, but throughout history, this has not been the case. It is easy to become infatuated with a cousin because you have so much in common, such as family manners and customs. Some people may wonder, however, if cousins are too closely related genetically to have healthy children. By definition, first cousins are those who are the children of siblings. Double first cousins are children of siblings who married siblings.
There is a slightly increased risk of birth defects in children born to double first cousins or first cousins. The slight risk incurred in these relationships is nowhere near as high as the risk of birth disorders arising from factors such as mothers smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. A good genetic counselor should be able to determine if a particular cousin couple has an increased risk. Another question that is raised about cousin relationships is that they might be immoral according to the Bible. Actually, many couples in the Bible were related to each other. The book of Leviticus, chapter 18, lists relationships that should not become sexual. In it, brothers and sisters should not marry, nor should a parent or grandparent and child. Cousins, including first cousins, are not mentioned in this list. Many famous people have been married to their cousins. A few of these are Edgar Allen Poe, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and Jesse James. In many areas it is now illegal for first cousins to marry. While social sentiment tends to raise eyebrows at these relationships, there is really not much reason why cousins can't make happy marriages. But as far as I'm concerned I'm totally against any type of family in family relationship or marriages. I just think it's yucky. There are waaaaaay to many other people out here to fall for then members of your own family.
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