Has there been any incest in your family?

As a kid I always wondered why my mom's mom had the same last name as my mom's dad, even before they got married. Well, turns out, my mom's mom's dad is the nephew of my mom's dad's dad. So my mom was the product of incest.

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SW-User Best Comment

Depends on the definition of incest. From your explanation to @SW-User they were cousins.

In many countries that is legal & not considered incest.

Indeed in my family I have two cousins, both 1st cousins to me and to each other. They are married and had two children one is now married herself with children. The other sadly died possibly due to a genetic issue.

To explain the relationship. My mum had a brother and sister. The lady is my uncle's daughter the man my aunt's son. So 1st cousins to me & to each other.

Btw it can't be that uncommon. My wife has a first cousin who is married to one of his first cousins.

SW-User

@SW-User I couldn't quite follow if they were cousins in his explanation. But, you're right. First cousins marrying wasn't that uncommon not too long ago. In the orthodox Jewish community, it's still an acceptable practice.

SW-User

@SW-User clearly accepted within the UK. I never thought about it being odd. But quick Google seems to indicate it's illegal in a lot of US states. My cousin worked for a large USA pharmaceutical company like me and he turned down a move to the USA. Now I see possibly why.

SW-User

@SW-User Yes, many states outlawed the practice. People still do it at times. I can't imagine that's why your cousin declined the job. There's nothing anyone would do about it here. They aren't citizens and, unless they said something, no one would know.

SW-User

@SW-User maybe just a thought I had.
I never fully moved over, just commuted, as I'm too rooted in UK culture lol.

SW-User

@SW-User I can understand that. If your ties are strong, it's not something you want to give up.

SW-User

@SW-User just spent far too long on London Boston route airliners though.