A 40-year-old man has sparked passionate debate after revealing he has been keeping a secret – he is dating his brother-in-law's niece, who is 20 years younger than himWe can't help who we fall in love with, but sometimes people will have strong opinions on who that ends up being.For one couple with a 20-year age gap, they haven't been confident enough to tell their families about their relationship.

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They not only have a considerable difference in age, but they are technically part of the same extended family - although not related by blood - and aren't sure how relatives would react if they knew.Taking to Reddit's Age Gap forum, the 40-year-old user explained that his 20-year-old girlfriend is actually his brother-in-law's niece.

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Explaining the situation further, the anonymous user said: "We never met before until a year ago, and we hit it off immediately."<img class="moz-reader-block-img" src="

alt="Age gap couple" data-tmdatatrack="inline-widget" data-tmdatatrack-articleid="28583792"

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data-tmdatatrack-exists="true" data-tmdatatrack-visible="true" />The couple are not blood related, but part of the same extended family (stock photo)The man continued: "We're keeping it a secret as we've got no idea how either family would take it, especially my brother-in-law who I have a good relationship with.Promoted Stories"But keeping it under the lid is not really something that can go on, for a multitude of reasons.

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"His story sparked an intense debate in the comment section, with some believing his situation is "just messy".Another user said: "There are literally millions of 20-year-olds you could date, and you chose someone who's family because? Just call it what it is: An Awful Idea."What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode.A third added: "Age gap relationships are fine under the right circumstances, this is not one of them.

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Covid and flu spread more quickly in winter&nbsp;"Just want to add that dating inside your family, whether blood related or not, is just disgusting."After being asked why he went for a "family member," the user explained that they don't see each other in that ay because up until a year ago they were strangers.He added: "This is extended in-laws family we're talking.

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"The thing is, when you get seduced in the heat of the moment, the milk is already spilled. The next day it was simply 'f**k it, let's see where this goes' and here we are year later."We want to move in together, and this whole cloak and dagger thing is just silly at this point.

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"Some didn't feel like the situation was as controversial as others, with one person saying: "I find it amusing that so many people on this sub find this gross or disgusting."Being related by family is different than being related by blood. Nobody would care if you were dating her mother. The two of you met after she was an adult."How do you feel about the situation? Let us know in the comments below.

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More infoThank you for subscribingWe have more newsletters Show meYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.&nbsp;Source: mirror.co.uk

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