Dear Auntie Kate:

Thanks
Distraught in PA

Dear Distraught,

Now dear, don't you fret one bit.  Take my reassurance that being 3rd cousins is a very, very, very distant family relationship. You probably have a common ancestor at the time of the American civil war - maybe earlier.

That's no reason not to fall in love.  Embarrassing?  Well sweetie, embarrassing is leaving the loo with your skirt tucked into your pantyhose.  Finding out that you're in love with your very, very, very distant cousin is just a naughty, cute little giggle. What do you tell your girlfriends who already know?  Well... that he's really cute!  And you think he's GREAT!  And you are not really related to him - except like hundreds of years ago!  You'll be just fine.  If you get a little teasing, well that's
just good character building.  You shouldn't let your friends tell you who you can and can't love.

If I were you, I would get that really nice guy to read this letter.  I bet he'll feel relieved, and take you out to celebrate!

Of course it can be.  The Pennsylvania Dutch have been doing it for ever. Those sweet Amish girls, with the woolen undies and bonnets have to find their boyfriends somewhere, don't they? They started out with just a few families when they came to America. They are distantly related, just like
you and your 3rd cousin.

I bet they could give you really good advice, but of course, they wouldn't TOUCH one of these computer things.  Take Kate's advice. Buy silk and go slowly. It's much sweeter that way.

Your

Aunt Kate