TIL I was probably a product of rape.
How do I feel? Bittersweet Relief TBH
My whole life I thought I was an incestuous freak for finding my cousin attractive.
Good to know I'm normal!😌
@basedbagel - There's a theory about attraction to relatives. It's controversial, but so is every theory when it's new.
The human psyche is complex and nebulous, and we usually only learn about the brain/mind connection when something goes awry.
Anyway, the phenomenon is called GSA (genetic sexual attraction). And it has come to some prominence with the preponderance of broken families. Basically, because being raised apart from genetic relatives has become so common these days.
@basedbagel - The gist of it is, that we are evolutionarily hardwired to find those with similar traits to us, as more attractive. But being too similar is evolutionarily disadvantageous, because inbreeding causes genetic problems.
The way nature gets us close, but not too close, in terms of mating, is something called the Westermark effect. It was discovered in the Israeli Kibbutz (communes living together). Basically, a child won't grow up to find people sexually attractive, if they're ➡️
@basedbagel - raised in constant close proximity between the ages of 2-6, regardless of genetic relatedness. Children who weren't related, but were raised in the same kibbutz, would never pair off.
But people who are raised apart from one another, can become insanely infatuated when they meet someone they share genes with. And because of moral busy-bodies clutching pearls, it's very controversial.
But if you happen to have any long-lost sisters... For the love of God, never meet them.
@basedbagel - It can go sideways like you wouldn't believe, and can drive a man quite mad for a time.
Cheers. 🍻