Dear Distraught~
Welcome to the Forum and thank you for posting. Relationships can be confusing at the best of times.
To get a couple of things out of the way I understand within Australia first cousins can get married, and no incest is involved.
I saw you write 'he thinks he loves me', well perhaps he does. He's certainly had you on his mind for a while.
I think if I was in your position I'd be asking myself two questions:
Firstly about my feelings for this person - leaving the fact he is a cousin out of it for the moment. You say you are best friends, and it is not that big a step to love, with feelings already developing.
The other thing to ask yourself is if the cousin issue is something you would get used to or if it is something that will always be a complete barrier.
It's very hard to know your heart and my questions are logical ones -not the best thing when emotions are involved.
To conclude I'd like to say what I think is involved in a relationship. Two people who love each other, feel secure with their partner, and know they are looked after. Who want to give security to and look after their partner and really enjoy being with them.
Please talk here as often a you would like
Croix
