No harm dating second cousin

Dear Annie: I am a 57-year-old female, widowed twice. My adult daughter lives 30 minutes away.

I have a male cousin who is divorced and lives nearby. We have been spending time together and really enjoy each other’s company. My daughter feels this is morally wrong and is giving me a lot of grief about it. She thinks if we had met by chance, it would be OK, but not if we are related.

I’m not entirely sure what the relationship is, but we are not first cousins. Our grandmothers were sisters. Previously, the only times our paths crossed were at funerals and weddings. What do you think? – Kissing Cousin

Dear Cousin: If your grandmothers were sisters, that makes you second cousins. We see no harm in dating your second cousin. It is not against the law, and we assume you are not planning on having children together, so there is no genetic prohibition. Our Biblical ancestors were often married cousins. We hope your daughter can get over her judgmental attitude and be happy for you.

Dear Annie: This is for “Making Sure Zipper Is Up,” my fellow neurotic who also always checks his zipper in public. The easiest and most discreet way of doing this is to develop the habit of placing your right hand on the belt buckle, and then using the tip of your little finger to feel for the fastener of the zipper. No one will see. – London

Dear London: Thanks to you and all the others who wrote.

Dear Readers: Remember to set your clocks ahead before you go to sleep tonight. And please be sure to change the batteries in your smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, too.