Is there anything more delightful than hanging out with a good cousin? Cousins can feel like siblings, be that favorite babysitter, the ally we exchange looks with when adults act odd, or the frenemies we clash with every Thanksgiving (almost looking forward to it). So, today, we’re sharing 11 wonderful reader comments…
On secret languages:
“In my family, the phrase for anything too good to be true is ‘not real cheese.’ It started from a remark my little cousin made years ago, criticizing Cheez Whiz (‘I mean, it’s kinda yellow and it tastes alright, but it is NOT real cheese’). The raise you’ve been promised? The trip-of-a-lifetime you’ve talked about for years? The outfit that looks so cute online and will surely look fabulous in real life? Fun to imagine but, just so you know, it’s not real cheese!” — Reba
“Growing up, my Italian-American family would sing Happy Birthday in Italian — then my Nonno would always yell, ‘WHO’S GOING TO EAT THE CANDLE?!’ One day, to everyone’s surprise, my cousin blew out the candle and then immediately stuffed the whole thing in her mouth. We were all in shock. But my Nonno — who’d lived through WWII, poverty, and immigration — burst into laughter, tears, and a child-like squeal that I’d never heard before. To this day, at every birthday, my cousins and I yell at each other to eat the candle — which definitely makes newcomers think, ‘This family is crazy.’ I love it.” — Liv
On keeping in touch:
“I have nine cousins in a group chat called ‘The Kids’ Table,’ lovingly named after our longtime Thanksgiving seating arrangements.” — Callie
“When my cousin turned 40, I sent him an email with 40 excellent clips that never fail to make me laugh (the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cold open was in there). When I’m having a rough day I revisit, so really, it was also a gift for me.” — Emily O.
On younger generations:
“One of the unexpected joys of my life is that my cousin now has a son the same age as my little guy. She and I are 12 years apart — I babysat her growing up! — but she started her family at a younger age than I did. So, at 28 and 40, we both have four-year-olds who absolutely adore each other. When they met, my son said, ‘So, is he my cousin or my friend?’ We said ‘Both!’ and they’ve been best friends ever since.” — Hilary
“I once tried to take a touristy trip through Quebec with my four-year-old. She cried the entire week. She worried the hotel rooms wouldn’t have toilets. She missed our kitchen sink. It was adorable and so very frustrating. After that, we decided travel isn’t possible without cousins. I don’t even care what we’re doing, it’s a million times better!” — Sarah
On the birds and the bees:
“My mom used the book method to teach me about puberty and sex. Things like, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and A Knight in Shining Armor — the latter of which sets up some very unrealistic expectations. But it didn’t matter, because long before my mother started giving me books, my cousin had already told me every detail.” — Tara
“I was so embarrassed when I got my first period (my parents didn’t have open conversations about anything like that). But my cousin was overjoyed! She called our grandma with such enthusiasm. I was stunned to see how proud she was of me, and recalling it even now makes me smile.” — Marie
On quiet escapes:
“During big family gatherings, I would take naps in the coat pile at my aunt’s house in the 1980s. Seven siblings, plus partners, and 20+ cousins made for CHAOS, but the ‘coat room’ was such a sanctuary!” — Heather
On celebrating milestones:
“My cousins fall between myself and my parents, age-wise. During my teen years, they were my allies and advocates. They took me to get my ears pierced (with my mom’s permission — she was too squeamish!). And they lobbied for me to have a phone in my room (it was the ’90s!). I still cherish the memories of doing ‘grown up’ stuff with them.” – Leigh-Anne
“My cousin brought me my first meal after giving birth — spicy salmon sushi, as I requested. She picked it up from the Whole Foods on the Upper West Side. There was only one spicy salmon roll left. Another woman tried to grab it at the same time, and she told her, ‘I’m sorry, but my cousin just gave birth and this is what she asked for. I can’t let you have it.’ And so, I had a spicy salmon roll. I love her.” — RQ
Do you have a great cousin story? We’d love to hear it!
P.S. More great reader comments, and Anton’s cousin soulmate.
(Photo by Stephanie Tamir/Stocksy.)
Eleven Reader Comments on the Topic of Cousins Cousins often hold a special place in family dynamics, acting as both friends and extended family members. They can be confidants, playmates, and sometimes even rivals. Here are eleven reader comments that highlight the diverse perspectives and experiences people have with their cousins. 1. Childhood Companions: “Growing up, my cousins were like siblings to me. We spent every summer together at our grandparents’ house, creating memories that I cherish to this day. They were my first friends and taught me the importance of family bonds.” 2. Cultural Connectors: “As someone from a large, multicultural family, my cousins helped me stay connected to my roots. They introduced me to traditions and stories from our heritage that I might not have learned otherwise.” 3. Friendly Rivals: “My cousin and I were always competitive, whether it was in sports or academics. This friendly rivalry pushed us both to excel and brought us closer together over the years.” 4. Support System: “When I went through a tough time in my life, my cousin was there for me. Having someone who understood my family background and could offer support without judgment was invaluable.” 5. Distant Relations: “I have cousins I’ve never met because they live in different countries. Social media has helped bridge that gap, allowing us to connect and learn about each other’s lives despite the distance.” 6. Family Gatherings: “Cousins make family gatherings more enjoyable. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a family reunion, having cousins around adds a layer of fun and excitement to the occasion.” 7. Different Paths: “My cousin and I took very different paths in life. While we don’t see each other often, when we do meet, it’s fascinating to hear about their experiences and share mine.” 8. Role Models: “As an only child, my older cousins were my role models. They guided me through various stages of life, offering advice and setting examples that I looked up to.” 9. Bridging Generations: “Cousins can act as a bridge between generations. They help maintain family stories and traditions, ensuring that the legacy of our grandparents and parents continues.” 10. Lost Connections: “Unfortunately, family disputes have caused a rift between me and my cousins. I miss the closeness we once had and hope that one day we can reconcile.” 11. New Beginnings: “After years of being out of touch, I recently reconnected with a cousin. It’s been wonderful to rediscover our bond and create new memories together.” These comments reflect the multifaceted relationships people have with their cousins. Whether they are close companions or distant relatives, cousins play a significant role in shaping our family experiences and personal identities.
