Hi Louise,

A half anyone, whether it is a nephew, niece, brother or sister, is still classed as family and is still a family member. Incest is defined as sexual activity between blood relations or those related by affinity, such as members of the same household, step relatives or those related by adoption or marriage.

There are a lot of taboos that circulate around this area and many taboos lie with people who have relationships with their step or adopted siblings or third degree relatives such as a half nephew.  

The legal standpoint varies between countries, so depending on where she is from the rules might differ. The moral standpoint should really be enough put her off pursuing this. If the family are suspicious they might not look upon it sympathetically and she runs the risk of having them turn their back on her.

I would suggest that as her friend, you encourage her to perhaps look for someone else to turn her attentions towards outside of this situation. She has only told you her side of the story- ‘that she feels he feels the same way’. It might be that she believes this but it’s not actually true. It may be that she has misinterpreted the signals here.

I suspect this could bring more bad than good, so perhaps try to help her focus on someone that is outside of the entire circle of friends and family so she doesn’t’ set herself up for judgement and hurt.

Lucy x