It's legal in all 50 states to marry a cousin who's your second cousin or further. But according to a new study out of the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, it's not just legal, it's smart.

How common is it to marry a distant cousin?

The practice was common in earlier times, and continues to be common in some societies today, though in some jurisdictions such marriages are prohibited. Worldwide, more than 10% of marriages are between first or second cousins.

Is it weird for cousins to date?

"It is not unusual, especially for elderly couples, to feel comfortable with and be attracted to their cousins. To say they shouldn't marry if they fall in love is unfair." But as cousincouples.com points out, unlike with other relationships, if things don't work out, you'll still be cousins for the rest of your life.