5 Tips on Navigating Love for a Cousin

In 2023 eNotAlone had an article about cousin love:

Ever since the dawn of civilization, the labyrinth of human emotions has left many of us perplexed. Love, one of the most potent yet enigmatic of them all, often finds its way into our hearts uninvited. Sometimes, this emotion blossoms for those who are close to us, those we've grown up with - our cousins. The very thought might send a jolt of surprise or confusion. Is it wrong? Is it normal? How do we navigate this peculiar terrain? As a relationship expert who has treaded similar paths in my life, I'd like to provide some insights into this topic, and hopefully shed some light on your perplexing emotions.

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, once said, "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." When it comes to love for a cousin, however, it often feels more like a bewildering riddle. Is it merely an amplification of familial affection, or is it something more? To comprehend this, we need to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of love.

Cousin Marriage

Scholarly Community Encyclopedia has a long article about cousin marriage that was last updated in 2022:

A cousin marriage is a marriage where the partners are cousins (i.e. people with common grandparents or people who share other fairly recent ancestors). The practice was common in earlier times, and continues to be common in some societies today, though in some jurisdictions such marriages are prohibited. Worldwide, more than 10% of marriages are between first or second cousins. Cousin marriage is an important topic in anthropology and alliance theory. In some cultures and communities, cousin marriages are considered ideal and are actively encouraged and expected; in others, they are seen as incestuous and are subject to social stigma and taboo. Cousin marriage was historically practised by indigenous cultures in Australia, North America, South America, and Polynesia. Different religions have ranged from prohibiting up to sixth cousins from marrying (some forms of Hinduism and Catholicism) to freely allowing first cousin marriage (Protestantism, Islam and Judaism). In some jurisdictions, cousin marriage is legally prohibited, for example in China , Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea , the Philippines and 24 of the 50 United States. The laws of many jurisdictions set out the degree of consanguinity prohibited among sexual relations and marriage parties. Supporters of cousin marriage where it is banned may view the prohibition as discrimination, while opponents may appeal to moral or other arguments. Opinions vary widely as to the merits of the practice. Children of first-cousin marriages have an increased risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders, and this risk is higher in populations that are already highly ethnically similar. Children of more distantly related cousins have less risk of these disorders, though still higher than the average population. A study indicated that between 1800 and 1965 in Iceland, more children and grandchildren were produced from marriages between third or fourth cousins (people with common great-great- or great-great-great-grandparents) than from other degrees of separation.

Is It Ok to Date Your Cousin?

Relationship Whats up has an article about dating your cousin:

1) Love should not be limited towards societal norms

Have you ever heard the saying you only live once? Well, you do, and falling in love with your cousin is totally ordinary. They are a person with whom you have grown up and share a lot of interests and hobbies.

Don’t worry about what society thinks about dating your cousin. If you like him or her, go and ask them on a date and see where it goes. Who knows he or she might be the one you marry.

2) Good For The Family

Developing a close friendship and love with your cousin is good for both families. (But only if they approve of you dating your cousin).

It has been a common practice for hundreds of years to match up cousins together because it helps to preserve family wealth, keeps cultural values aswell as strengthening family ties.

Now before you go on your first date with your cousin. Make sure your family is completely ok with you doing so. Because if they are not then things could get a bit out of hand.

Genetic Problems in Cousin Marriages: Risks and Solutions

In 2023 Science of Bio Genetics had a long article about cousin marriage:

In many cultures around the world, consanguinity, or marriage between close relatives, has been a common practice for centuries. These relationships, often involving marriages between cousins, are deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and sometimes even religion. While such marriages may be seen as advantageous for preserving family ties and inheritance, they also come with potential genetic problems.

When closely related individuals choose to marry and have children, they increase the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring. This is because when cousins who are blood relatives have children together, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the same recessive genes from their shared ancestors. These genes may carry harmful mutations that can lead to various genetic disorders and conditions.

Medical studies have shown that children born from cousin marriages face an increased risk of inheriting genetic disorders such as autosomal recessive disorders, congenital heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. The chances of having a child affected by these disorders are higher in consanguineous marriages compared to non-consanguineous marriages. However, it is important to note that not all offspring of cousin marriages will necessarily develop genetic problems.

While the risks are higher in cousin marriages, there are also solutions and measures that can be taken to minimize the chances of passing on genetic disorders. Genetic counseling, for example, can help couples understand the potential risks and make informed decisions about starting a family. This involves analyzing the family history, conducting genetic tests, and providing information and guidance on available options. Additionally, advances in medical technology and prenatal screening can help identify potential genetic problems early on, allowing for appropriate medical interventions and support.

Is It Legal to Marry Your Cousin in California?

In 2022 The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith had an article about cousin marriage:

In the state of California, marriage between first cousins is legally permitted, as the state’s marriage laws do not prohibit consanguineous relationships of this degree. This stance is rooted in several factors, including cultural diversity, autonomy, and the right to marry. A more in-depth exploration of these considerations follows:

Cultural diversity: California is known for its cultural diversity, and the state’s laws reflect this ethos. In numerous cultures around the world, marriages between first cousins are customary and socially accepted. By permitting such marriages, California acknowledges and respects the cultural practices of its residents, promoting an inclusive society.

Autonomy and the right to marry: The freedom to marry is considered a fundamental right, protected under the United States Constitution. By allowing first cousins to marry, California upholds the principle of individual autonomy, granting citizens the right to make personal choices about their relationships and marriages, provided that the relationship is between consenting adults.

Genetic concerns: While concerns about the potential genetic risks associated with cousin marriages exist, research suggests that the increased risk of genetic disorders in the offspring of first cousins is relatively small. In general, the risk of birth defects for children born to unrelated parents is approximately 3-4%, while the risk for first cousins is estimated to be around 5-6%. This relatively modest increase in risk is not considered significant enough to warrant legal restrictions on cousin marriages.

Precedents from other states and countries: California is not alone in permitting marriages between first cousins. Other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, also allow such marriages. Moreover, many countries around the world, including several European nations, permit marriages between first cousins, further supporting the notion that such relationships should not be legally restricted.