Am I Crazy To Think Dating Your First Cousin Is Sick?

You think dating your first cousin is weird? How about today's Panic Button.

You never know who is going to reach out to us on The Panic Button. Today we got a real one. Bill met the girl of his dreams. She is smart, funny, they have a lot in common...which apparently is a thing she's in to. Why? Well, she used to date a family member. Specifically she was dating her first cousin.

"Everything was going great with my girlfriend – I genuinely thought she was the one. However, a shocking revelation came to light when we were about to meet her family. Just before our visit, she felt the need to come clean about something: I was about to meet her cousin, who was also her ex.

Yes, you read that right. Her first cousin, to be specific – her uncle's son. What started as innocent childhood curiosity developed into a secretive relationship during their teenage years. It lasted until they were late teenagers, not quite young adults, but still significant formative years.

Naturally, this news hit me like a ton of bricks. As you can imagine, it's not every day you hear about your girlfriend having dated her first cousin. The family was against it, and they tried to hide it, which adds another layer to this.

Faced with this bewildering scenario, I backed out of the family meeting at the last minute. I couldn't bring myself to meet her ex-cousin under these circumstances. Now, I'm at a crossroads. Despite this, I still have feelings for her. We share many common values and passions, and she's genuinely funny and kind.

So here's where I need your help. Am I overreacting? Should I try to look past this and focus on the person she is now, not who she was? Or is this too big of a red flag to ignore? I'm really torn and could use some outside perspectives."

So what do you think? I was torn on it personally.  While I think dating your first cousin is weird (sorry Dominick)  I admire his girlfriend for admitting she used to when she was younger. That kind of honesty should be rewardwed. Should a consentual relationship from your teens really prevent you from ever having true love? I think Bill is over-reacting.

By the way here is a map of all the states where you can get freaky with your cousin.

What else are you hiding from your loved ones? 

Want to hide your tattoo from your parents? Here's 20 places on your body you can do that!

Growing up, we’ve all had our fair share of secrets from our parents. Maybe it was that secret stash of candy, or the diary with the "Keep Out!" warning. Or sneaking downstairs for that unsanctioned midnight snack. But none of these hold a candle to the exhilarating game of hide-and-seek you play when you've got a tattoo, and your parents are the unsuspecting seekers.

Let’s be real for a second – there's an undeniable rush in having a piece of art that’s just for your eyes (and perhaps the eyes of a select few). It's not that we're promoting duplicity or advocating for keeping huge secrets from the parental unit. But there’s a certain adrenaline rush in concealing something that holds personal meaning, especially when it’s etched into your skin.

Imagine the scenario: Family dinner. You, wearing a strategically chosen outfit that hides your brand new ink. Every time your sleeve threatens to ride up or your shirt teases at revealing a hint of color, your heart does a little salsa dance. The secret thrill is almost more intoxicating than the tattoo itself!

Every family gathering becomes its own heist movie. There you are, carefully navigating through relatives, ensuring no stray hands pat your newly inked shoulder, or pull you into a hug just a tad too tight. Every close call leaves you exhilarated, mentally awarding yourself an Oscar for "Best Actor in a Leading Role of Concealment."

Then there are the added layers of conspiracy – the best friends who become co-conspirators, the tattoo artist who becomes the secret keeper, the partner-in-crime who helps you pick outfits that won’t give the game away. Everyone's in on the secret, and the shared mischief amplifies the fun.

Remember, it's not about promoting rebellion or pushing boundaries for the sake of it. It's about the small personal victories, the independence of making a choice for oneself, and the sweet (and sometimes sweaty) thrill of holding onto a delicious secret.

So, the next time you feel the itch for some ink, and also fancy a little game of peek-a-boo with your parents – remember, the thrill isn't just in the tattoo, but in the tale you get to tell (or not tell) about it!

Note: Remember, hiding tattoos or anything else from parents should be a playful, personal choice. It's always best to be open and honest about your decisions. But for those little playful secrets, there's nothing wrong with a touch of harmless mischief.

This is perfect for women or men with long hair. Just let your hair down and the tattoo is gone!

Wearing socks at the beach may be uncomfortable, but the rest of the time this one is easy to hide!

Inner lip tattoos are a college staple and easy to hide. You can get as spicey as you want and your parents will never be the wiser.

Small and easy to hide with a high tops, socks, or your pants, a small ankle tattoo is a no brainer.

Just because you have a flower tattoo in your armpit doesn't mean you can skip the deodorant! No one at the dinner table will notice this tattoo as long as you keep your shirt on.

Out of sight, out of mind. Hidden under your shirt, this tattoo will go unnoticed!

Have your parents ever checked between your fingers for a tattoo? I doubt it.

Perfect for that special someone...

This may not be the easiest tattoo to hide during the summer, but that is months away. You'll have plenty of time to break the news between now and then.

High waisted pants are back in style and they are a perfect way to hide a hip tattoo! After leaving the tattoo parlor, stop by American Eagle and pick up a pair. You'll thank me after you avoid a family fight.

Unless you undress around your parents often, this location is perfect!

An under the chin tattoo isn't the most covered location on this list, but if you swap out the black ink for white ink, it could blend right in!

This location may be a bit cheeky, but how many people are showing off their behind to their parents?

Let your hair down and you are good to go!

Your dentist will be in for a surprise, but your parents wont be with a roof of the mouth tattoo!

This discrete location is easily covered, and unless your parents are looking directly in your ear, should go unnoticed!

If your shirt stays on, the tattoo stays hidden. It's as simple as that!

See my advice for the tattoo above!

Keep your pants on and your problems away with a top of the thigh tattoo!

Small, discrete, and easy to hide. A perfect location for a hidden tattoo!

Here are all of the breweries located in Central Massachusetts!

It's always so much work to find a great brewery, isn't it? A few months ago I decided to come up with something called the "Lushy List." It was a mission of mine to find each and every winery and brewery in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It's a really long list and it's taken me months to gather all of the information of each and every one.

Why would I do so much research on breweries? Because I think supporting small-batch, small businesses is important to our economy. And not to mention, brewing beer or wine is an art. It takes creativity, craftmanship, and expression to create a great IPA or blonde ale. And not to mention, owners of these breweries have put their hearts and souls into their businesses. For these reasons, it's why I love researching and finding great breweries and wineries for you to visit. Some of these places I have personally been to, but many I have not.

Today's "Lushy List," will feature the breweries of Central Massachusetts. This area is home to some beautiful regions. There's the Blackstone Valley and Wachusett Region. And Worcester alone is home to many fan-favorite breweries.

You might be asking: doesn't the world end at Boston's city limits and/or the Cape? No it does not! Wildlife is abundant in Central Massachusetts. The hustle and bustle of Boston has been left behind. Worcester is at the heart of it all, and the breweries are Hoppin'!

Sit back, crack a cold one (if you're at work, I wont tell your boss if you don't!) and start planning your next trip to one of, or all of, Central MA's Breweries and Wineries. Shoot, make a night of it by staying over at a hotel.

112 Harding St, Worcester, MA
https://baystatebrewing.com/
According to their website, "In 2012, Chip and Shawn, two guys with a love for classic German Mai Bock and Double IPA’s, partnered their 45 years of combined beer and brewing knowledge to make a better craft beer at Bay State Brewing Co." While I've never been, they have some VERY strong beers in their cans. One IPA is 10%ABV!

455 Park Ave B, Worcester, MA
https://www.doubledownbeer.com/
The brewery has great beers, beers to to, and they've partnered with Peppercorn's Grill & Tavern to offer their patrons food options. They have a bit of everything when it comes to the beers. There's a sour, a pilsner, IPA, and more. So if you like variety, this would be a great option!

55 Millbrook St #2804, Worcester, MA 01606
https://greatergoodimperials.com/
This brewery is located in Worcester, but you can find their cans in many liquor stores in Massachusetts. I know this because I recognize their logo and have bought some of their cans. They have various events such as trivia and musical Bingo.

333 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604
https://www.redemptionrock.beer/
Redemption Rock Brewing Company is a brewery, but there's also a cafe attached to the building. They serve lattes, espresso, seltzers and meat and cheese plates. You may recognize their beers because they distribute to bars, restaurants, and retail stores across Massachusetts.

72 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604
https://wormtownbrewery.com/
My husband loves Wormtown Brewery. He actually likes a specific IPA called "Be Hoppy." It's a pretty iconic can because it has a huge yellow smiley face on the front of the can. There's a location in Foxboro as well, but this is their main and original location.

112 Harding St, Worcester, MA 01604
https://baystatebrewing.com/
On their website it says that their only mission is the make great beer. "We produce small batch, distinctive and drinkable, hand crafted Lagers and Ales using only the best malts, hops, water and yeast available." There's also a mug club membership that you can join for $135/year.

112 Industrial Dr, Holden, MA 01520
https://www.sevensawsbrewing.com/
This is a unique brewery because they offer beer dinners at 5:00 and 7:30pm. It's a dinner with beer pairing and it's $85+tax. What's for dinner? A 6-course Latin inspired dinner presented by Monti’s Kitchen.

75 Elm St, Millbury, MA 01527
https://www.pennypinchersbrewing.com/
On their website they says that their beer is worth every penny. They also claim to be a nano-brewery, so they’re small enough to test and try new things. On Thursday's they host a trivia night and they are always dog-friendly!

175 State Rd E, Westminster, MA 01473
https://www.wachusettbrewingcompany.com/
Wachusett Brewing Company was founded by three Massachusetts college students. They were obsessed with the brewing culture and an appreciation for craft beer during their adventures of biking, canoeing, and hiking around New England. Their company has exploded over the years and Wachusett Brewing Company holds many events over the year.

66 Otis St, Westborough, MA 01581
https://www.coldharborbrewing.com/
Cold Harbor Brewing has food, beer, and live events. "Since 2015, we've dedicated ourselves to creating the highest-quality beer, while embracing our local history and providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for everyone to enjoy." Their beers are made in small batches.

8 Grove St, Upton, MA 01568
https://www.rasbrewhouse.com/
Rushford & Sons Brewhouse was founded by childhood friends, Mike Rushford, Brian Goodman, and Eric Martin. Over the past 14+ years they've perfected their craft beers and they're very proud of their product. The brewery focuses on small batch brews that are 100% made in house. Note: They're closed Monday's and Tuesday's.

277 Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752
https://www.flyingdreamsbrewing.com/
Flying Dream Brewing has it all. Beers, events, paint nights, trivia, live music. FYI, they are closed Monday and Tuesday. They have a variety of beers to choose from Double IPA's, to Coffee Stouts, Porters, and even a Cranberry Sour.

416 Boston Post Rd E, Marlborough, MA 01752
https://www.tackleboxbrewing.com/
Tackle Box Brewing always has something going on. There's indoor games like pool, shuffleboard, foosball, darts, cornhole and more! But they also have live music and entertainment at least 3 times a week. Not to mention plenty of brews on tap!

19 Weed St, Marlborough, MA 01752
https://lostshoebrews.com/
This is a unique brewery. They make their own beer, but they also have a coffee subscription service. Their brewery is also close to a bicycle trail, so bring your bike, have a pint, and head back home. They also participate in the Marlborough Farmer's Market every Saturday from June 15-October 5 from 9am-1pm.

312 Main St, Hudson, MA 01749
https://www.cloverrdbrewing.com/
Clover Road Brewing Company has brews and food! Not many food options (only 4 on their menu), but they have plenty of beers on tap. They also have live music, trivia events, and other fun events for people to participate in. They are closed Monday's, but open the rest of the week.

175 Sterling St, Clinton, MA 01510
https://www.sterlingstreetbrewery.com/
Sterling Street Brewery seems to have it all! There's merchandise, events, live music, cans-to-go, and more! They are closed on Monday's. They also have food on site! Yummy!

111 Main St, Hudson, MA 01749
https://www.medusabrewing.com/
This place looks awesome and legit. They have two different restaurants on site. One is a taco place. The other is called "Wild Hare." They have live music, fun events, and you can also rent private rooms on site.

100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd, Bolton, MA 01740
https://nashobawinery.com/
I am saving the best for last because this location has a winery AND a brewery. But that's not all! They also have a restaurant on site AND a distillery. I have never been to this establishment, but I definitely want to. There's something literally for everyone. They also offer tours and tastings.

https://country1025.com/category/lushy-list/