Your first instinct that night when he came into your room when you were 14 was right. We should listen to that voice of authority in our minds, it serves as a powerful warning.... Its your mind telling you its WRONG!

Natalie, sydney,

Some animals eat their children. how wrong is that? Imagine we wouldn't be as smart as we are and didnt have a culture and everything...what do you think we would do? I personally could never have sex with my brother. But i respect every person and its ok as long as its no harm to others.

Jasmin, Hamburg, Germany

The people I feel the sorriest for are the sheep who say "it's morally wrong, it's disgusting, etc." What is really disgusting is that you base your opinion on what you have heard and experienced from society! Not because you have experienced a similar situation but because you were TOLD it's wrong

Kathleen, Tucson, USA

What is wrong with you people? This is the kind of filth that tears society apart. So now we're going to have a "liberal" attitude towards incest? Yes, people have a natural affinity to siblings and family members, but for it to turn into something sexual is wrong and disgusting!

Freddy, London, UK

I give you and your brother a lot of credit. Not for having had an incestuous relationship, but for coming through a situation fraught with psycho-mental-emotional issues and trauma relatively unscathed and wiser for the experience.You lived, loved, you let go. Well done.

robert, New York, USA

gross.

bianca, Los Angeles, usa

a brother and sister seperated at birth and meet later on in life.. still having no idear they are related and have sex is that still morally wrong?

Daniel , Worthing, England

A very moving story indeed. Morality, moral boundaries and such are defined by society and it shuns those who do not conform. As human beings, we are all perfectly entitled to what we believe, incest or otherwise, as long as it does not cause anybody any harm.

Jason, London, England

huh? this writer was basically a victim of sexual abuse! i don't care how beautifully written this story is, what happened between her and her brother is morally wrong!

Pauline , Bedford, UK

I wouldn't state I am disgusted however cannot find the words to express. I think this is very sad that a brother and sister would have sex together as it is wrong. Her attitude in this story is like "no big deal." It is a big deal it is perverted and far from "beautiful."

Karen , Palm Desert,

it takes allot of guts to talk about that situation even though the names where changed. im not discusted at all

jess , USA,

You may be disgusted by this but their love is real. I dont have these feelings for anyone in my family and have never experienced this but I had a close friend who had this too with her brother. We dont always pick who we love and our loved by. Don't judge another because you dont agree with them

Angela, USA,

Thanks to the author for exposing the next great perversion that will be forced on all of us in order to destroy families. This behaviour is not normal and should not be presented as such. I just hope this article does not give teenagers any ideas. Only perverts could think this is "beautiful."

Jared, Miami, USA

I had to read this article twice to realize what I just read. I just can not believe the entirity of this story, in mind it is humanly impossible. If, for any reason, the story is not a made up one and bears any truth, then this is anything beyond my scope of understanding human nature.

DATY, Los Angeles, USA

I'm only 15 years old and you are sick in the minded if you think this is right in any way. so why do you people fine this right?

SamuraiX, Epping, The United States of America

I cannot understand why anyone, other than a religious fanatic, would think that sexual relations between consenting adults was the business of the State. Possible offspring are a red herring, as they are also preventable. I hope to see a Human Rights victory on this at Strasbourg. Live & let love.

Michael, Manchester,

This writer calls this love but it does not change the fact that it is incest. In the animal kingdom it is called inbreeding - with good reason. There should NEVER be a progressive attitude towards this - next thing they'll be saying that paedophilia is ok if the child wasn't conciously forced.

Deirdre, Cork, Ireland

The way it happened seems quite natural. You both love each other very much. There was no abuse. There was no wrong doing of any kind. You were intimate with him because you love him very much and he loved you very much.. After both of you grew up, you developed healthy relationships with others.

Ted M. Garza, los angeles, USA

Love and affection is love and affection, wherever it comes from.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt has a good, but un-nerving description of this kind of relationship.

Ali, Guildford,

I have an older brother and a younger brother, i get on better with my older brother because some of his friends would be my friends, but i still fight with both of them so i find this really uncomfortable. euuggh.

Suzanne, Belfast, Ireland

i think that if you really loved him you would have let him go just like you did,I dont find it nasty that you did that becouse you loved him just more then other ppl do to there brothers
but if that relationship didnt happent you would have not found your boyfriend now.And i cant comment more bye

Zaneta Piet, UK, England

I'm 16 and personally don't see why this is considered so 'wrong' -surely finding love is one of the most important things in life? Who makes these universal rules anyway? You only live once, and why waste your life regretting the things you DON'T do that make you happy?

C, wales, uk

I have to admit that the thought makes me uncomfortable; I have a younger brother and would never think of letting our relationship become that intimate. However, I won't judge this person for what happened between her and her brother. It was mutual, it was natural, and good memories remained.

Nicole, Seattle, USA

Moreover, I'm trying to figure out why other people were saying she had guilt over the incest? She never said there was guilt but marveled that there was none.

Nicole, Seattle, USA

You found love. You harmed no one. Bless you both. I'm amused by those who claim to know Daniel's "pervert" motives and know the "true" effects on his sister. None of that is explicit or implicit. You're the tediously religious scrabbling for anything that will fuel/justify your prejudices. Grow up.

Neil Hardie, Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Ah, you people. Stop being such ridiculously sheltered prudes. These things happen. I knew a boy in my teen years who had a similar relationship with his older sister, not too far from his age, just a year or two. It was as natural as the author describes, and no harm came. What else matters?

Z, Oklahoma City, USA

It's the parents I feel sorry for!

Albert, Manchester, England

To have that close of a relationship with a brother or sister is something to envy and a beautiful thing but to actually engage in intercourse is flirting with a dangerous situation. The possible results would be unfair to any child conceived or aborted. It is best they keep this part to themselves.

John Hubbard, Singapore,

An honest appraisal of a difficult topic, and for that reason all the more valuable to consider. The relationship was natural and developed as part of a whole coming of age transformation for the individuals involved. I'd like to read Daniel's recollections as well. Incest such as this is common.

Howard, Oregon, USA

I do hope no teenager reads this and decides to experiment - it's illegal, as far as I know (the Sexual Offences Act 2003 sections 64 and 65).

Craig Preston, London,

Even though she doesn't feel guilty and has nothing but good memories...I will never see incest as something healthy or in that matter, right.

Lee, Toronto, Canada

i think it is wrong they have grown up together as brother and sister. i know a couple who are together who are half brothe n sister they were not brought up together ad did not know eachother one day they met fell in love then found out they were brother n sister. every1 has there own choice.

kelly, bristol, uk

Thanks! Your story took a hell of a lot of courage--vividly shown by the extreme negative reactions of some of the people leaving comments.

I feel your story shows how variegated sexuality is--and how even taboo sexuality can be positive, depending on the experiences of the participants involved

Scott, Seattle, USA

Interesting how so many of the opposition comes from the States, and so much of the understanding comes from Europe..the beginning of yet more differences on contentious issues? I deeply respect the author for her bravery.

Mari, London, London

Of course you wanted to give yourself to him. he's your big brother and you love him dearly. so one night he comes in drunk touching you, you become confused, and then your mind instantly wants to justify what he did.

hannah, bakersfield, usa

The writer has 'A progressive attitude towards incest' ? next it will be a progressive attitude towards bestiality!! Please, its wrong no matter how nicely she writes about it. I am trukly shocked how many peoples have commented that its ok, what a nation of sick people you really are. Truly wrong

Grace, London,

There is a reason we have a taboo against incest. Because even the most careful of safe sex practisioners can have mistakes, and in the case of siblings you could end up with a baby with birth defects, and a family crisis on your hands. Its best to avoid incest.

melissa, lithonia, usa

I personally think that it's ok as long as two persons are happy.
Sometime I think what is bad in getting pleasure if this is not
Doing bad to anybody. Since long we people have nutured the
Thought that sex is bad it should be hided. I don't know why.
Adam and eve we all know.

ajay dutta, london, united kingdom

This relationship was not healthy if it was there would be no guilt..her brother wouldn't be questioning the love of his fiance and leaving it in her sisters hands...oh there may not be any consequences now but they are soon to follow....

Tawny, Bristol,

I know for sure it was OK. You did nothing wrong . God and the world bless you for having the nerve to say it and having freedom in your heart and soul.

johntop26, leiden, holland

I wrote a lot of detail earlier . But lost it in pop up blocker.
Still your story was wonderful. I had similar (no sex) when me and sister were pre pub. And I also wished ( and I think she too) we had nerve to keep it on later but to our regret . we didn't.
I'm 50 now but always wonder what if?

johntop26, leyden,

I have nothing but respect for you.

J, London, UK

i think this is a porn story as its narrats. anyway we can't accept it b'se if we accept it,it will be a promotion and the next generation will more relaxed and they will even think that sex with mother is not a problem. then v will just like an animal. diff between animal and man is v got culture

cinto, liverpool,

Your brother took advantage of you when you were 14 -- a child. It seemed like you were in a loving relationship, but you were not. Daniel had sex with someone secretly with no responsibilities. I'm quite sure his wife would like to know about this. Is Daniel going to encurage this for his kids?

Rosa, NYC, USA

I can totally see a brother/sister relationship in that way ending up being a healthy situation. I dont suggest we judge this one. Society has deemed this adnormal, as with so many things. You alone decide what is acceptable and what is not.

kay, Camas, USA

If it isn't wrong, why does she feel so much guilt? Weird story, but there may be more to the story than meets the surface. Could she have fear of intimacy with others coz of abuse, for example? This story has more to it than meets the surface, as incest is more morally complex than homosexuality.

Kel, Ireland, UK

um, a little sick and quite nuts.

Jack, uxbridge, usa

I don't condemn the writer, but I am amazed at the fact that the majority here considers this kind of relationship healthy. Incest produces a lot of pain and guilt (and even abuse), please consult any shrink that has treated these cases. Would you get laid with your brother/sister?

Pablo, Houston, USA

Suppose they had a child, but it suffered no birth defects; wud that make it ok to everyone who feels it's wrong? Even then, is it wrong for 2 unrelated ppl who are both passive carriers of a genetic disease to procreate, as they are more likely to have a disabled child? How about calling them sick?

Smon, Belfast,

To those religious bigots who say incest is morally wrong, I've got one thing to say to you: ABRAHAM & SARAH... you know, from the Bible?! They were siblings. And if you believe the Genesis creation story, Adam and Eve's children must have committed incest too. Wake up and smell the hypocrisy!!

Christine, Medford, OR, USA

What a lovely article. I'd like to thank the lady for writing about her relationship so honestly. It's interesting to me that something I think is very common, is something that so many people get all het up about. I don't have a problem with it - and it's legal in some countries! Thanks again.

Zarich, London, uk

If this is healthy then why the secrecy??? Both brother and sister will always live with the guilt and doubt until they get some deep long term counseling. They are also living a lie by keeping this from their partners.

Alex , Phoenix , USA

Personally, I am disgusted. The way it's told is like a porno.

Everyone has a right to their stories and experiences, but there has to be boundaries somewhere! Why not in the family? Also, these are not consenting adults; they were two children. Why was a 14yr old hungover?

Oh Please!!

Yolande, Connecticut, USA

A sweet story. I can imagine having feelings for my sibling if they were nearer my age. I'm not sure. I can't see any harm if there was no chance of children. I'm glad by how many enlightened people there are here. Forget the extremists.

David, Manchester, UK

The fact that the person you were sleeping with was your brother aside, you still did wrong as you were both cheating and lying to your partners. Also isn't it wrong to be doing something that your parents would clearly disapprove of under their roof?

Jen, London,

Despite the intellectual 'yay' as it were I get the feeling that this is innately discordant with what occurs naturally. What with sex being for re-procreation, and associated pleasure for bonding parents. I can see how their bond affects Alison, but unfortunately the sister is no ordinary ex.

Sophie, London,

I must say, negative comments aside, it makes me happy to see so many encouraging, enlightened people who understand that if something makes one happy, without causing others pain, one should be allowed to continue it unmolested by moral bigotry and high-mindedness.

Evan, Oxford, UK

It's not as if children are involved...???

Rebecca, Madrid, Spain

Morally and emotionally, as long as the people involved are consenting and adult, I think its great!
The only reason society discourages this activity is because children born of such relationships can after generations become mutated and develop disease or other problems such as down syndrome.

Chris Kirk, Worthing,

Really I don't see any problem with this - it's not as if children are involved. If people love each other, and aren't harming anyone else, then it shouldn't be anyone else's concern. I think it's a shame they broke up, but I hope the woman involved can find happiness elsewhere.

Cat, Plymouth,

I'm a gay man, so am used to the dishonesty of the "publicizing it means promoting it" brigade, who seek to pathologize most or all types of non-standard sexual congress. But I do wonder if sibling incest can ordinarily be attributed to pre-disposition (nature) or whether nurture factors are at play

Ortelius, London,

we live in a cruel world in which social morality and biological factors set restrictions on our behaviours no matter in love or other activities.

samuel, Suzhou, China

I see a lot of religious bigots, who are brainwashed into accepting the so called normal.We only adhere to the normal, due to biological reasons of birth defects.
Accept people in families can and do love each other!
Religions judge , and threaten ! good reason to do away with religion.

jonathan rose, great torrington, uk

Anthony writes, "All you morally outraged lot make me laugh." Hear, Hear - I agree! The outrage is similar to the 'slipery-slope' ideology of American radical conservatives. They think if one person does something different, then everyone will follow and all will be lost. They rule by fear...

Kellie, Jacksonville, United States

Love is in short supply in this judgemental, painful and cruel world. I hate how much worse the religeous make the planet. Pity we couldnt ship them somewhere else to judge and moralise and hate each other. Good luck to this woman and her bro who have found a glimmer of love in a cesspit of moralism

mark j, belfast, uk

Anthony writes, "All you morally outraged lot make me laugh." Here, Here - I agree! The outrage is similar to the 'slipery-slope' ideology of American radical conservatives. They think if one person does something different, then the whole world will follow and all will be lost. They rule by fear...

Kellie, Jacksonville, United States

Just goes to show, consent and understanding trump any rule, and those who choose their morals based on nothing but squeamishness have a stunted sense of right and wrong.

Good, honest, moving writing. Stay true.

G Davies, Somerset, England

when does it stop?today its ur brother, tomorrow ur father...how many ppl out there would have sex with THEM?i think its sick, even if u feel good about it.theres a reason biological mutations are more likely in offspring born from incest.coz its wrong!this isnt progress, its promoting the perverse

Anna, Athens, Greece

Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!!

(Audience chant from "The Jerry Springer Show" when something outrageous happens...)

Dave Ferro, Dayton, Ohio, USA

If so many are repulsed by this couple's actions, why did they take the time to read the entire article, and then bother to take more time to submit a comment? Judge not, lest ye be judged. Live and let live. Mind your own business. Leave the final say to a higher power.

Janet Larson, Phoenix, USA

I think this is why incest is forbidden -- the relationship between these two siblings has resulted in confusion and guilt. They seem to have fallen in love but know they can't tell anyone and certainly can't marry and be openly together. A very sad story.

Jenny, Austin, TX, USA

Nothing wrong in wanting to be with the one you love. People should be allowed to lead their own lives without fear of being prosecuted by society at large.

Elke Nel, Pretoria, South Africa

i understand what it is like. i've been in a similar situation with my cousin who i respect. its true its like experiment. but unlike u i still feel guilty and that its wrong. i enjoyed it at the time but then cried for days sum1 found out and threatened to tell my family about it. ur not the only 1

alisha, leeds,

Your one messed-up girl!
I'd hate to fall for you...

A Fouche , Thaba , SA

Good luck to you. This hurts no-one, but I hope all the negative and hurtful comments won't colour your views of what seems to be a relationship full of love, pleasure and respect. I don't think God will have any problem with this.

Mike, London,

No-one has the right to tell the woman writing this piece that she is wrong.

Everyone's sexual and emotional make-up is different. It seems to me to be rather arrogant to tell her her feelings are ' wrong'.

Richard, Groningen, Netherlands

This disturbs me. Not only do I think that the older brother used a bit of that boy charm and manipulation, but I think this woman has some type of mental deficiency that he used to his advantage. I wonder what type of rearing went on in their home in order for them to be accepting of this?

talia, ft lauderdale, usa

This is the must disturbing piece i have ever read. I believe this young woman was nothing but exploited but a confused and perverse older brother. I have two older brothers and get immediately turned off by someone im interested in that remotely reminds me of either of them... God help them.

Kristen, Charlotte, USA

This is the most disgusting thing I've ever heard of. I'm 32, adore my brother, but would NEVER EVER have sex with him. Give your head a shake woman. You and your brother need some serious psychological help. Twisted and warped.

Lynn, Prince George,

I think this sounds like a girl who has been manipulated by her older brother and who is deeply torn due to her adoration of him. The pain of this has led her to repress the trauma of this abuse, and use rationalisation as a defence mechanism: we take too many things at face value.

Fiona, Liverpool, UK

My 2nd great-grandfather had a daugher who married her uncle. They were pioneers. You either married within the group or you married the natives. That wouldn't bother me today, but I think they thought it was worse than incest. I don't see any reason to live with guilt. Nobody was hurt. Be happy.

Joy Pero, Pomona, USA

Bravo. What a lot of silly bother the stigma over incest is. Perhaps there are sound evolutionary forces that have created an innate distaste for such things, but humans are perfectly capable of overriding impulses that basically boil down to taste. What a shame the two of you must be apart.

George, London, UK

If God is Love, then all who Love are Godly.

victor.compton, Cherbourg, France

this is unjustifyable cause incest is incest.Welcome to hell

Barrow jarra, stockholm, sweden

This piece is fiction. The psychological and emotional repercussions would have been far more destabilising than the writer conveys. Society has taboos, not just for genetic reasons, but also for psychological ones: intimacy within birth families does not equate with sex. Even Nietzshce went crazy.

Margot Cornelius, Manchester, Lancs

it's realy weird life....she/he should consult to psychiatrist .....
no religious people would allowed....

onny iqbal, samarinda, indonesia

INNNTERESTING. I USED to think that intimate relationships among siblings were "wrong" but after reading this article, it opened my mind to a whole 'nother level! I commend the sister in telling her story. Pro-choice in everything. Why rules and boundaries? They just keep our minds close and robotic

Krystal , Orange County, USA

Human is the most intelligent and social creature on the earth.Animals do sex in the family without any obligation and feeling guilty. They just do sex without knowing relationship between them.
If Human does such things then it is very difficult to differentiate us with them. Soul cann't accept it

Jack, Canton, US

Once upon a time people who married each other were called royalty. Now they're called criminals.

I'm torn on this - universal condemnation of incest is based on the genetic consequences, so use of proper protection seems to rule out that basis.

Still, I couldn't imagine it. WAY too weird.

Ted Tyro, Canberra, Australia

I have mixed feelings on this. But I guess at the end of the day, if you both felt it was okay, then it's okay. As long as you don't judge each other, then I don't see the harm. It's a pity your sexual side to the relationship came to an end though. He shouldn't have married her.

Lynne, Edinburgh, Scotland

In our preteens, up until about 13, my cousin and I used to experiment.

Religion imposes all sorts of silly rules, which then get ingrained in our culture. If both parties say yes, then what's the harm!

Ingrid, Hastings,

I'm sorry, I don't consider myself a judgemental person when it comes to sex topics (transgender, transvestites, bisexuals) whatever. But come on is there no boundaries? I mean the fact that he was drunk the first time you did stuff seems wrong. I'm willing to hear more though as to this case.

Kim Bangert, Lancaster, Lancaster County

Have you talked to a professional about it, I know a lot of women don't think it's rape until they talk to someone. Just b/c it felt good doesn't mean it might not still be hurtful to you. Also how old were you when you started this like 15? B/c at that age was your brother taking advantage of you?

Kim Bangert, Lancaster, Lancaster County

Hypocritical comments! Every kid plays "sexual" games with other kids (sometimes siblings) and yet everyone "forgets" it once childhood is over and makes ashamed those who remember.

Nick, TA, Israel

All you morally outraged lot make me laugh. Christian ethos allows for compassion and understanding and forgiveness above all.
Fantastic, well written article, good luck to the author and family.

Anthony, Manchester, UK

Most wouldn't understand or care to. Never abuse in our home as children, sexually or otherwise. But when my oldest sister was 26 and I was 21, decades ago, at her apartment, we bonded in bed. We now have spouses, happily, and do on special occasion consent in private, using proper birth control.

Mark, Indiana, USA

"The next morning it was clear that Daniel had a hangover"

I don't condemn either one, but I find that disturbing.

Last paragraph is sad. You don't see a problem with it, but I can't help but hear someone struggling because of their brother's drunk actions.

Jenn, TX, USA,

Once we had a restrictive sexual morality.

It changed. 1st divorce was not a big deal anymore, then premarital, adultery, then homosex., then sado, open marria., poligamy. Now incest, pedophilia and zoophilia?

Family = base of society. Society is crumbling. Taboos are there for a reason.

Pablo, Houston, USA

If it is (a) consensual, and (b) if all precautions are taken to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, why should inter-sibling incest be frowned upon? It is part and parcel of sexual experimentation by youngsters all over the world.

Hank, Cape Town, SA

I think can understand how these things happen. I have a cousin who's only a month older than me, I've never been as close to anyone as I was to him when we were younger. Had he come to me with sexual intent I'm not sure I would have turned him away, though I can't imagine being the instigator.

HK, Manchester, UK

Incest is not just socially unacceptable. It is morally wrong.

Schrodinger, Toronto, Canada

The idea that 'no-one was hurt' is bizarre. She still loves her brother “above everything”, bad for her new relationship & thus for boyfriend and her. She's her sister-in-law's emotional rival. Her bro's marriage, and thus her bro, are affected. Honesty compromised all round. Everyone hurt, surely!

JW, Istanbul, Turkey

we really dont know whats going on with or minds and emotions, and i dont blame you guy to feel the way you feelpeople are people and it just so happens you guy where family i to have thoughts but for my cousin and i push then aside, why are people gay why are people killers, its all in the mind

mya, st.louis, mo

Explain why water is wet or why the sky is blue. And just what ARE those Nazca Lines?
We DO NOT know everything and there are Universal Laws that we cannot explain or intellectualize. They simply are there for our own good and for the harmony in our species. Free will - given and can be taken away

jjstark, g,

I agree with the point about self restraint. What is the purpose of having family? As someone who knows, my brother who I shared a room with, came onto me, stimulating lustful thoughts, which were directed away from him later on, but unfortunately towards my sister. I regret being so intimate now.

RC, london, uk

Each mind encompasses a whole different world... If she's happy and in sync with her emotions, and she's corresponded.. good for her! It's hard to find and enter into lasting and nourishing relationships, so if found one with her sibling, who won't betray or hurt her, let her be happy, I would say

Rafael V, Mexico City, Mexico

go for it girl if he is ONE yhoo LOVE then o for it dont care what other people think!!! GO FOR IT

emily, Oswestry, uk

Thankyou to the people who have positively commented on this. Can all these guys quoting bible extracts please take it somwhere else? What they did wasn't wrong, they didn't hurt anyone else and they both came out of it with positive memories. WHY IS THAT A BAD THING?!
Well written article btw :D

Sam, London, England

I Know my comment will just be another on these lines, but I want to have my say.

I think that your relationship is not wrong, and you should never be made to feel guilty about it. You had a relationship and it was a healthy one. Go with what you feel is best for you and not what others think.

Oscar, Australia, Australia

Get off the religious high horse - God will judge them IF he sees fit. Get off the medical bit as well - no children were made.

Love is love. Sorry if you cant accept it, its just the way it is. If she and her brother chose to be intimate without coercion or abuse then by all means good for them.

Roxanne Mackenzie, Chicago, USA

It's their business and no one else's.Two teens experimenting, contraception used, no control issues- so what's the worry? And how many marriages *don't* have big secrets hanging over them?
It's funny how those who believe in invisible friends in burning bushes think their holy books apply to all.

Mika, London, UK

When I was a kid, I had a crush on my first cousin. I still think about it sometimes. I take the lady at her word that it was what was.

Name withheld, St. Petersburg, USA

I think this poor woman has been manipulated by an older brother who she obviously adored. The whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth. Hopefully she'll be able to move past the experience and have some semblance of a normal life. He seems to have managed with no problems - hmm, funny that.

stephanie, London, England

What a beautiful story.
I had the most loving friendship with my sister. Physical love was unthinkable in our orthodox christian family, but it would have been wonderful.
She is still the person I have loved most in my life.

Robin, Amsterdam,

Congrats to everyone who's commented positively - as long as there's no one else to get hurt by, WHO CARES? :D

Eric, Plymouth, USA

When I was younger my brother initialised sex with me and I just, well, "lay back thinking of england' to put it nicely.
I've always felt guilty I didnt stop it. For years I felt isolated Now I know it's not just me, right or wrong I can get on with my life without feeling disgusted. Thankyou. :)

Sarah, Kingston,

You can't control which human being has the perfec t soul match for you. Even though it may be a sibling or a family member, you have to understand that it's not the idea of them being a relative which attracts them, it's just their personalities and souls that click.

Jess, Ontario,

My sister and I had sex for several years in our early teens. It was the best sex of my life! I STILL fantasize about it, and it's been almost 40 years! It was always consensual, and we never hurt one another. We've both led normal lives. What's the harm?

Steve, Smithfield,

As a solicitor, I hear all sort of stories and I always try to give my clients the benefit of the doubt. Being atheist is one thing but not having any moral is another. There has to be a line which must not be crossed and surely. To me, this i one. Aren't humans supposed to be advanced apes?

M, Poplar, London

I always thought society's taboo around incest was because of the risk of inbreeding.
If pregnancy precautions were taken, and this was the warm, loving, emotional relationship which the reading of it suggests, then in all conscience I cannot see the wrong.

Max, London,

I just can't understand this kind of logic. I believe it is not nature and out of human being.

sonia, Beijing, China

I did try to draw logical conclusions to the story , but i can't understan why when there is a choice, I know in Pakistan, India, Iran and Arabs marry within family, cousent between each other and i Accept it but brother and sister having sexual relationship for me is byond logic.

Lec Neli, London, UK

Anyone remember Virginia Stephens, later Virginia Woolf?

John Dutton, Canberra, Australia

Listen the truth is that this has happened to millions of people, history is rife with stories of this it is simply one of the many ignored truths of the world in which we live. The greater thing is that both of you were able to move on to a healthy lifestyle after, and kudos for contraception.

Nick, Burlington, USA

Four hundred and fourteen comments! Why so many?

San Ying, Montreal, Canada

This is absolute lunacy and irresponsible. You both need HEL! Get it.

MBO, London, UK

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. If it's out of love, these things happen. I guess it's a part of human behavior.

Jess, new york,

Over the years our culture has imposed a number of taboos on human behavior, including homosexuality, transsexuality, inter-racial couples, etc. The most remarkable aspect of them has been that they illustrate so clearly how repressive and intolerant our society can be about sexual behavior.

TF, USA,

On my opinion this is intolerant and completely not healthy, bad character, ect. This shows that the world we live in has things we never actually thought about doing due to its disgustingness. Hats of to you though, madam, for sharing your own expierence and showing that this world has its stories.

Lenny Starger, Hong Kong, China

I've never had sex with anyone in my family, but I can relate to desiring sex in ways that fall outside of society's "norm." Sexuality falls outside the lines of marriage, heterosexuality, and monogamy, but often people are afraid of exploring alternative sexual relationships. Thx for sharing

Kathryn, Berlin, Germany

I fancy my 2nd cousin twice removed but your brother is just soooooo wrong!!!!! Good reading though

Mike, Inverness, scotland

This is disgusting. I have never read such a horrible revolting account. This is where the world is going and people are not even seeing it for the perverseness of what it really is.

Daniel, Washington DC,

in a million years i could not havesex with my brother ,we get on fine i think ,i,tsbizare ,but the story was good reading

rosita, stannes , lancs

Hmmm. Academia. Incest. Justification.

No kidding. No wonder.

Evets, Bristol, UK

Incest between siblings is probably rarely as consequence-free as described, nor am I rushing out to participate. That said, it certainly doesn't seem to cause much harm here, nor does it affect me (or anyone else). So who cares?

Hey, I think I found that missing middle ground!

Lo, San Jose,

A man's body is programmed for sex. Does that give every male the God given right to jump on every female in sight? Nature programmes us all to respond to sexual arousal. But there have to be boundaries. Rules are meant to protect people from abusive scenarios which can happen in any home.

Gary Hudson , Leeds, UK

If this story is genuine and I assume that it is, then no one else has the right to be judgemental. If what these two people do together feels alright for them, then who are we to say otherwise. There are far too many people in the world laying down rules which they expect others to adhere to.

John, Exeter, UK

Hormones mean teenagers and even young children will not understand their bodies arousal and can associate this with pleasure. Because their bodies react in a way they're not emotionally mature enough to deal with. Civilised people do not act on every sexual impulse. Self restraint is necessary.

Richard Keighley , Worthing, United Kingdom

Incest is given such a taboo nature due to the number of reports of a father sexually abusing his daughter. People often accept incest as a taboo without question. Those who argue inbreeding cause birth defects never researched upon the subject matter thoroughly enough.
And comments ARE so short...

Steve, Ontario, USA

Sex between siblings is far more widespread than you might think. I have read several studies on the subject, and it would appear that it occurs in over 20% of families.

Vierotchka, Geneva, Switzerland

I have had similar experiences and it proves there are always exceptions to every rule in life.

Michael, Los Angeles, USA

While I may not want to excoriate the author of this article for her confessions, I will say that I am not cool with this, not at all.

Allan, Brooklyn, USA

The many comments and criticisms confirm the wisdom of keeping private matters private.

Many hypocrites are blind to their own failings and weaknesses.

This relationship, like abortions, is the business of the adult couple involved and their doctor's, only, no one else.

Ken.H, Harrow, UK

The author showed very clearly that she understands the social and emotional ramifications of her incestuous relationship. There's no need for anybody to condemn her of feel sorry for her.
Incestuos procreation is a biological taboo. However, incest itself is purely a social taboo. No harm done.

Tom, Seattle, USA

Incest between siblings is wrong and disgusting. This is not about their ages at the time, nor is it about religion. This article is not progressive - it is regressive!

Christians, esp Puritans, have taken things way too far, but there is a reason why their teachings spread after Rome/Greece.

Kris, Seattle, USA

This story is sick and I really find it difficult to believe. I think this person is an exhibitionist and likes the media attention.

Gilmartin, Bristol, England

What's with all teh coverage of this in the media lately - what next - fathers sleeping with under age daughters or sodomy with their sons - can't help getting the feeling that this is being "normalised" and one of these days no one will bat an eyelid about it. Scarey.

Jane , London, UK

Wonderful story, im glad people don't feel embarrassed coming into the open like this, truthfully my sister and I have hit it off for the past 10 years, we are one of those couples that she described

Paul, Truro,

I don't have any brothers or sisters. But I am close to my cousin and the idea of having any kind of sexual relationship with him is completely wrong to me. I won't condem them, but where would we draw the line if society extended sexual relationships to siblings? The world is sex-mad as it is

Rachael, Driffield, Yorkshire, England

A new word for this kind of uninteresting tripe - a "stringer" : the public exhibition of personal problems for the voyeuristic delectation of people who are not in possession either of a life or the usual sensitivities of human beings. Public hangings come to mind as an example.

Kevin Straw, Leicester,

Stuff like this usually sounds like it went out of control, more along the lines of attraction and emotion. At the age of 14, puberty kicks in and people start to get ideas (igniting curiosity) which makes people more prone to getting confused and mixed up. It's best to just move on to other people

Timo Arnaldo, Milpitas,

Of course the children of Adam and Eve had to sleep together to produce children. This will not happen if evolution is true. Yet another clear sign that it is NOT.

virginia, Brisbane, Australia

It always seems to us that if it feels good then it is good.
but it is human nature to justify everything when we feel want something.
i am not their judge.
Jesus said he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. he ultimately is the judge.

Andrew, Ny

andrew , farmingdale, usa

There's nothing technically wrong with incest (same-blood-sex). After all, we are all same blood at some degree. It might be worst for gens, but who truly knows? Society is the main focus of the issue, but the true problem is you being emotionally dependent on someone else for your hapiness.

Caue CMR, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Let's get things clear. a single sexual relationship between siblings does not cause genetic deformities to occur - repeated reproductive ones do. Relationships between siblings have been known throughout history -see ancient Egypt.

John, Knutsford, UK

Love is love. They're not hurting anyone - get over it.

Anastasia, High Wycombe, England

This is sickening.. I am a very open minded person I'm not religious but it makes me ill to think of siblings together it is wrong and i know she says we always use contaception but that isn't one hundred percent effective and its a very selfish person who would do that to their children.

Mary, Dublin, Ireland

i think its beautiful. Although i have brothers and i would never dream of doing such a thing with them, I feel that is a sad romantic story with all odd against it. I wish them all the best.

briance, bruges,

There has to be something seriously wrong with these siblings? All I can think after reading this is ew! Where is this world headed?? Sad. I am pretty opened minded...but C'mon!

Karen, San Diego,

When I was 10 years old I was pestered by men all the time. I am fed up of people living like they are literally enslaved to their sexual desires like predators. People are becoming animals - not human beings who can say no, or refuse to degrade theirselves. It's wrong and we need to draw a line.

Susan M., Liverpool , England

When the world found out about the horrific case of abuse in Austria recently, where a man imprisoned his daughter and raped her for 22 years, we also heard that their eldest daughter born, Kristin was seriously ill. Kristin's health was so appalling because she had been born from incest. Appalling.

Tim Drew , Whitby,

Gross! Why does sex have to pervade everything in today's world?

Its annoying. There are other things in life than sex. Geez.

Sarah, Seattle, USA

I think she makes sense, but only in terms of two consenting adults, which is partly what she is talking about. Emotionally abusive.......I don't think so as a great deal of relationships can affect a person's relationship with other. I know a guy and girl who were high school sweethearts and.....

Clint Wirth, scranton, USA

There are absolutely no studies which indicate that there are any more genetic problems with offspring of blood kin, than off spring of non blood kin.
Don't use junk science to prop up a moral and judgmental stance.
she doesn't seem mentally ill to me, and it's rather vicious to say she is.

Deldell, Spokane, USA

Although the writer says that the relationship with her brother did no harm, her words reveal that it has affected her relationship with her sister-in-law and also with her feelings towards the man she says she might marry. The emotional damage is obvious.

Michael, Sydney, Australia

What is wrong , is wrong. This shows a total lack of morals and scruples. It is a shame people take there perversions and try to justify and convince not only others but themselves what they are doing is acceptable. Now after several generations of carefull inbreeding , Just ask the Amish,

Lee , Clarion, USA

This young woman and her brother are seriously mentally ill. I hope they get the treatment they desperately need.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

I found out my husband had had a sexual relationship with his sister.
I couln't trust him, or tolerate what he had done.
A very long & bitter divorce ensured, & my children still suffer (though I've never told them what their father did). Thank God I only had boys...

Name withheld, surrey,

Let's at least dispel one myth first. The Bible never says Adam and Eve were the only two people on earth procreating. Just the first representatives of the human race. It also does not say that Cain and Abel were their only children. These are the only two mentioned, that's all.

Charles, Jackson, Tn., USA

personaly he sounds to great to give up
im not giving up my brother, not for anyone, they can think what they want, say what they want, i beleive love concures all, but maybe im still a child at heart, a dreamer, but even so i dont beleive anyone should give up dreaming or beleiving.

natas, salem,

The only experience ive had is sex with my high school teacher .I use to focus all my energy wanting to find out what it would be like until it really happened.She was attractively caring and assisting ,I still can never quite understand the phonemona,it was good though.

Neven, durban, South Africa

Don't really share the experience.
I believe I wouldn't consider it since it presents genetic problems if it results in pregnancy and because I couldn't feel attracted to a sibling in that way, but I believe none of us is in any position of judging it.

Jonathan, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I always wondered about adam and eve, their children and the whole story... if there were only two people to start, how did the rest of us get here?

Also - Didn't royalty used to breed with other family members to keep the bloodline?

God loves ALL of us... regardless of what you've been told!

Anna, Washington DC,

This is beautiful. I have a similar relationship with a close friend of mine, and it is also nothing more than a romantic sisterhood. Again, this was beautiful to see that someone else has a similar experience. :]

Helen, Redwood Springs, USA

One wonders how unusual this situation is. Why is it really wrong? They could live together anyway. Apparently,at times, in ancient Egypt , marriage between brothers and sisters was encouraged, plus it was regarded that this could strengthen the family hierarchy. Marrying cousins used to be taboo

B.Warren, Lymington , UK

for all you bible quoting christian fundamentalists here's one for you, "Judgment is Mine, sayith the Lord."

Korey, California, usa

I believe that English/American society has long felt the sting of Puritan influence. What the author had with her sibling was a beautiful relationship Very much practiced by nobility dating back to the early empires of western civilization. They both consented to have sexual intercourse.

Korey, Kilburn, uk

interesting point of view...i always thought about incest as abuse. however i still think that it's wrong and shouldn't be commended.

mae, singapore,

The problem here is the education system that separates kids as they're growing up. Research shows that kids who grow up and spend lots of time together, have an aversion to incestual behavior. The individual isolation of schools combines w/erosion of the moral code causes sordid cases like this.

Anna, philadelphia,

I am really freaked out at the relatively facile responses to the question of incest, particularily immediate family incest. There is a reason that its by and large unacceptable in most societies based consciously or unconsciously on genetic factors, social cohesion or protection of the vulnerable.

Terri, Cambridge,

Poppy, claiming that this will affect their children in some way is ridiculous. By that token, everyone raised by same-sex partners will turn out gay!

If they're happy with what they did, and no harm's done, who are we to judge?

Rooney

Rooney, Harlow, UK

Daisy, New York said "The kids are natural prey" because the father and aunt previously had sexual relations. What a load of rubbish. The siblings have broken off their sexual relationship and it's perfectly possibly for both to have decent marriages.

Jen, Marlborough,

Saying that it is up to them and it is their lives is all well and good but these two poeple are not indepedent of the world. Their actions will affect their children at the very least on a subconcious level. This irregular relationship will give rise to itself in some form in their children.unfair.

Poppy, Cheltenham,

At the age 15 I had such experiment (my sister is 5 years younger).
In contrast to the author, sex lead me and her being away, distant and farther from each other.
we couldn't have the feeling of union and closeness we once had.
After 18 year still it has shadowed our relationship.

fred, hamilton,

I reckon that the simple statistic that this article has generated HUNDREDS rather than the usual dozens of comments says that the author touched a national nerve. The watchword is consent and that it what separates sex with a sibling from abuse. Love, however expressed, is still love.

Trisha Shannon, Brighton, England

Me and my sister also had a similar relationship, this was initiated by her on various stages of our lives first as small children I must have been about 5 she and I would kiss, from 10-14 shed do things saying "I heard this turned guys on..does it?" She was 4 yrs older but I \enjoyed it very much

Gino, Dallas, TX

I'd just like to add to my above comment that this goes on every were.
when i was at secondary school a classmate told me he and his sister had a relationship because he knew through his sister that i was with my sister but no one ever came up to me or my sister and told us it was wrong.

jon tate, canterbury ,

My thoughts wander to the parental teachings of morals and values. Are we merely seeing a repition of child abuse going on generation to generation? Does the fact it is misinterpreted as
a natural loving act take away the fact that they are siblings? Experimentation due to hormones doesn't belong

Growing Pains, Denver, USA

When I was younger, my brother and I kissed. I was 6 and he was 9. And he hadn't exactly forced me to do it but as we got older he had started touching me. All of it had felt different and because of it I have issues with people touching me or even being near me.

Chelsea, Minnesota, USA

Fools, you don't understand that this is a STORY, not experience.

Ashik, Dhaka , Bangladesh

This is normal, me and my sister flirted with each other in our teens but never had the privacy to consimate our relationship.
I still think that this would of been a good thing for both of us its just sociatys problem and untill sociaty reconises it it will still go on though not understood.

jon tate, canterbury , kent

Re: "They had a relationship, it's over, they're friends. Can anyone actually name a single bad outcome of the situation? "

I can. When her brother and his wife have children, their father will have had incestuous relations w/their aunt, as will have the aunt w/the father. The kids are natural prey

Daisy, New York, USA

It happened to me once, were both adults at the time. With only 18 months between us, sharing the same emotions and same experiences within the family. This makes two people very close. I believe it is more to do with comfort and familiarity that we need at the time. Dont feel guilty. Jill UK

Jill, Daventry, United Kingdom

I think what they had was beautiful. They relationship was tender and loving. He loved her so and even asked her if she did not want him to marry all she had to do was say so. It was right for them to stop their sexual relationship. If it had not she would have become his wife and become pregnant.

mike, new york, usa

A lot of the comments here heave been as to whether the girl was or was not "consenting" as she was 14. The age of consent (16 in the UK) is a legality, with no respect for individuals actual development. What is the real difference between a 15 year old a 16 year old ?

Natalie, Colchester, United Kingdom

True or false. Does it matter? This story is about forbiden love. Have you ever loved someone so much you hurt for them on a daily basis? I have, and if i found out that he was my brother later it would not have changed a thing. Soul mates. Love has no bounderies, love does not judge.

amanda clark, canton, US

Those who say it is wrong - who are you to judge? Are you sure that you are 'whiter than white'?

And for those who say it is deceitful and a lie - have you told your partner about every previous sexual encounter you may have had? I certainly haven't. Everyone has things they keep to themselves...

Jenny, Redhill, UK

Here in the States this is known as "The'Deliverence' Syndrome ".

daryl, Dallas, U.S.A.

They had a relationship, it's over, they're friends. Can anyone actually name a single bad outcome of the situation?

Emily, Bristol,

re: Jane the anthropologist from London. There is not a universal taboo against incest across all of history. Just look at sister-brother marriage in Roman Egypt for many instances of lawful incest without a hint of a taboo being broken.

Hannah, London,

Jen, Grenoble, France

I dont really have much of an opinion on this to be honest - but to say incest causes disease is somewhat far fetched- i can only assume you are reffering to genetic problems in offspring of incestuous couples???

Rebecca, London,

I don't agree with what this woman and her brother did, but for those hurling their religious mud at her, "judge not, lest..." I'm sure you know the rest.

Mike, Bristol, UK,

Here in Australia we only recently read in our newspapers of a father who lives with his daughter as husband and wife. There was similar coverage and comments as have been made in this blog, then it was all over...a 'nine day wonder'. But we had photos of the couple so it was not fake!

John, Woollahra, Australia

Why are commenters referring to the Bible? The author does not say she's Christian, so why is the Bible relevant to her choices? Using your religious views to judge others, and a moral superiority complex, is what creates the REAL problems in our world - probably more so than these two having sex!

Clare, New York City, USA

I confess that for me incest is unthinkable. And I didn't know that it was also spread. It is not the moral point of view, wich bother me but the biological character of the thing. I've always believed that incest can cause diseases...

Jen, Grenoble, France

So many opinions! If this is wrong, then according to WHAT criteria? If it is ok, then again according to WHAT criteria?

Who set the rules? I think in ALL societies (except some parts of the USA) incest is illegal. BUT, in most parts of the world, including UK, incest is defined as bro/sis etc.

marshal, cambs, uk

I my case i experiment in early age with cousins, we do a lot of "nasty" things.And l also experimented with girl,who was for me like sister, we started slowly discovering our bodies and end up with sex. It was quite interesting, i think of it in good. We heven´t planed sx, but if it was opportuniti

roman, brno,

i think it is nasty but i cant judge you for what you did it you and i cant put myself in your shoes because i cant see myself doing anything like dat, but i wont look at you any different either because it'z not my place and people just have a different way of love, life, and responsabilities.

keyana, brooklyn new york, united states

Well, my brother and I "experimented" when I was 13 and he was 14, at his suggestion; it went on for three years. Now I despise him; it turned out he tried the same "loving thing" with his older sister, who rarely speaks to him. Our parents just don't understand why we aren't closer to him...

Rita Richardson, Los Angeles, USA

if no harm is done, where's the problem?

on the other hand, post-freud its hard not to anticipate incestuous relationships leading to later psychological issues... but what did freud know? its not something i would personally wish for myself or my sister, but to each their own.

who really cares?

bob, mcr, uk

What I find incredible is that they had sex only once ever six months. This sounds unbelievable, yet it suggest more than a physical nature to the relationship. Either he is a genius predator
<br/>or it was something special written little about.

Jack, Tulsa, USA

"Flowers in the Attic" anyone?

h, Cincinnati, United States

What is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil - Friedrich Nietzsche

But on the whole the article is relatively boring.

AKULA, london, UK

Is this a true story? It reads like Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things", set in Kerala, India. In the novel, the siblings are twins. I enjoyed the novel immensely even though the incest made me sick, having a twin brother, myself. As close as we were, we just weren't close enough to go there.

kaz, hong kong,

Glad to hear of the care over contraception given the risk of harmful double recessive gene expression. This probably underlies our instinctive distaste. Such feelings generally have a sound biological basis. I would extend the legal ban to 1st cousins.

Paul, Loughborough, UK

What is good or not isn't determined by what feels "right". If you call a "healthy" relationship one that never explicitly/openly talked about their sexual relations, then I'm not sure that it is. One should be wary of someone's judgment if she defines her relationships with others mostly by sex.

York, New York,

...It is only through airing experiences such as this that any progress in society can be made. 100 years ago it would have been an article on homosexuality..."

Fred, Bristol.

Surely this would be a step backwards Fred?

Dave, swansea, Wales

Some of the comments on this article are laughable. The opinions seem to veer between "look how morally progressive I can be" fawning over how 'touching' it is that this woman has seen fit to make public her story and 'your soul will burn' from Hicksville, Kentucky, USA. Middle ground please?

Doddsby, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Where does one draw the line? Can a father and daughter have a sexual relationship? Or a mother and son? What about a Grandparent and Grandchild? If justified in the same way, does that mean it's okay? I think not.

We need taboos in our society. Otherwise we get chaos.

Vincent Ward, London, England

I'm unable 2 fully open my heart 2 anyone as nobody can fill my 1st cousin's shoes. I'm in love with her and always will be. We are both married (kids)so we no longer sleep with each other. Our family knows and is disgusted. We are so lost in love but want no more pain to family I want h in my lif

rdeonne_e, sf, usa

My sister is 2 years younger than I. When teens, she would often lie beside me on the sofa and and stroke my foot with hers. It never went beyond that, but I can understand that when young it is difficult to feel as close to someone else who you haven't grown up with. These guys didn't see the line.

Pete, NI,

I dislike the idea of two siblings having sexual encounters at the age of 14 and 15. But two non-siblings I would see as acceptable - kids experiment after all. I was 11 when I first experimented, it was with another boy and I am now gay. Do I see incest as unnatural? It's not my cup of tea, but no.

Angel, Coventry, England

Try reading "The Holy Sinner" by Thomas Mann.

Neil, Galloway, Scotland

Amazing that people think contraception is 100%. If she had gotten pregnant the story wouldn't have been so peachy. Of course she could have aborted/killed their "love" child. No harm there right? 10 - 1, if the story is real, they do end up with each other when their relationships with others fail.

Allan, Loveland, USA

i'm so glad i'm an only child. i mean no disrepect to anyone, i believe experimenting is natural for children but i don't know about after say... 12. this made me a little sick.

jeslee, amherst,

To those who keep saying "but they're consenting adults, what's the problem?", they weren't "consenting adults" when they started this relationship. They were 14 and 15, ages when hormones rule over intellect. Would you be okay with YOUR kids having sex with *anyone* at that age?

Jina, Colorado Springs,

I experimented with my brother's privates when I was a little girl. I even had a brief sexual encounter with my cousin when I was 7 years old. My cousin was 10 years old at the time. I can still remember the pain and blood. I am now in my 20's and totally normal. I used to worry about having kids.

Heather, dallas, texas

This used to be the norm, look at the ancient Greeks and Romans - nothing new.....

Swiss Reader, Schindellegi, Switzerland

my bro did the same to me gowing up til i was 14 yrs old. I was too young to remember how it started and exactly when. I know it was about 4 yrs old. I know how it feels. We are still close like it never happend. Now 25 yrs later, its like it was a dream and never happend.

jenny, willmar,

having offspring with siblings is wrong because your children would have a high chance of genetic diseases, but as long as you use protection and it's a mutual decision, who exactly is hurting from it? two people enjoying themselves, just like in any sexual relationship.

John, London,

The truth from my own experience of a relationship with a woman who had experienced many predatory sexual encounters with older members of her family is this. It destroyed her mentally and physically, they did not take no for an answer. how loving would that be,u cant say no and cant get away.

Lee, reading, england

These kind of moral oversights are becoming more accepted in the U.S. as a norm. If you have sex in our public
parks , streets and bathrooms and openly advocate for child sex our government will act quick to protect your rights and do everything they can to have you licensed as a psychiatrist.

Richard, Lexington - Ky, USA

I wonder what the origins of this taboo is? Is it that our forefathers realised the issue of genetic defects associated with incest?
There are communities where the best arranged marriages are considered to be those between the niece and the maternal uncle.

Shreela, New Delhi,

I wonder...how many of the people here that have commented on this article being "brilliant" or "progressive" have actually abused a sibling and are using this as a way to excuse their wrongs? Just a thought. Also, religion has e