Don’t surprise family with long-lost cousin

Miss Lonelyhearts By: Miss Lonelyhearts Posted:

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Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m in shock! I found out a family secret I didn’t know about my only uncle, who has red hair like me. Before he married my aunt — the one I know and love — he had a child with another woman. The child is now my age, and we look like twins. I met her at the bar. My friends said, “Hey, there goes your twin!” She has the family look: red hair, green eyes, the same dimples, face shape and body, too.

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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/01/2016 (3909 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m in shock! I found out a family secret I didn’t know about my only uncle, who has red hair like me. Before he married my aunt — the one I know and love — he had a child with another woman. The child is now my age, and we look like twins. I met her at the bar. My friends said, “Hey, there goes your twin!” She has the family look: red hair, green eyes, the same dimples, face shape and body, too.

We eyed each other up, then talked over a few drinks. After a while, we had it mostly figured out. Older people in the family must know, but nobody told any of the younger generation. Her mom married a nice guy when my cousin was little. She only knows her biological dad has the same job as my uncle, but she has never met him.

I need to talk to somebody about the secret kept from me, and bring my cousin into the family picture. She is great, and we’ve decided we’re friends, no matter what. Should I bring her home and just surprise everybody, or what?

— Found My Hidden Cousin, Winnipeg

 

Dear Found My Hidden Cousin: Whoa. Go easy. A surprise could backfire. Talk to your parents first and tell them you met your long-lost cousin at the bar and you would like to hear the rest of the story now. Then talk to your uncle. It might be a relief to him, or he might not want to talk. Be gentle. Your uncle didn’t necessarily abandon a pregnant girl. She may not have wanted him as a husband and told him to stay away. For some reason, she kept her baby away from the whole family — ask him why. Maybe she was in love with your uncle, but he didn’t feel the same way and visitations would have been heartbreaking for her. You’ll never know unless you ask, and now you’ve found her, you will get your answers.

 

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts

Miss Lonelyhearts
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Miss Lonelyhearts

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Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m in shock! I found out a family secret I didn’t know about my only uncle, who has red hair like me. Before he married my aunt — the one I know and love — he had a child with another woman. The child is now my age, and we look like twins. I met her at the bar. My friends said, “Hey, there goes your twin!” She has the family look: red hair, green eyes, the same dimples, face shape and body, too.

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I need to talk to somebody about the secret kept from me, and bring my cousin into the family picture. She is great, and we’ve decided we’re friends, no matter what. Should I bring her home and just surprise everybody, or what?

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