Questionable Relationships / Question
Published: June 12, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I need some advice. I was adopted into a very kind and loving family. I am staying at my grandma's right now with the rest of our large family. (Lucky the house is big!!) Well, the thing is, I think I my have a crush on my cousin. He is one year older than I, and very sweet and cute. But I feel terrible about it. Is this unusual? I am a 13 Y/O girl.
Signed: Silly Crush - I'm Adopted & Have Crush On My Cousin
Dear Silly Crush - I'm Adopted & Have Crush On My Cousin,
We are sorry to hear that your crush on your cousin is making you feel so badly. Rest assured that what you are feeling is perfectly normal. It is natural to feel close to family members, and it is even natural as you are going through puberty for that closeness to feel like a crush.
As you probably realize, doing something about this crush could be problematic. Even if he is not your biological cousin, he is a member of your adoptive family and of your household. Trying to act on this crush could create discomfort among the rest of your family.
We hope that you can stop feeling terrible about this crush - it is nice to feel strongly about someone. If you keep feeling bad, you might try talking to a teacher or another adult who you trust. You might feel better just talking to someone. Our guess is that if you allow yourself to feel how you feel and do not worry too much about it, you will always care for your cousin but the "crush" feeling will fade in time.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Persons aged 15-24, who represent only 14% of the 
