That’s a good sign, alhamdulillah! Islam allows Cousin marriage but it doesn’t mean that it’s the only allowed marriage.
But are the marriages stable in the UK? Many critiques of „ghair“ marriages say that they end in divorce more often.
It depends on the intention and the people involved.
If Immy met Bushra at the sheesha lounge and fell in love whilst they shared a spliff - those sorts of people might well end up divorced. Those types of characters are often unintelligent, shallow, materialistic into rap culture. They stand for nothing and will fall for anything. I have the displeasure of being related to a few of them.
On the other hand I have friends and family who have years being introduced to people, seeking out compatible spouses, meeting families, checking backgrounds. People like that also get divorced, but when your intentions are halal your path is blessed. People of reason who have taken consideration in choosing a spouse often get along better. Thier relationships are built on shared values not shared cigarettes.
At the end of the day you have to work on a marriage to make it work. Communicate, listen, understand, compromise, share, love, care, be attentive.
I know first cousins who got divorced and ruined families, I know school age lovers who are still together. A friend of mine married his school sweetheart aged 16. They're children are now of marriageable age.
In my experience shdn cousin marriages have seen difficult times - families instead of supporting the couple have thrown fuel onto the fire.
That's interesting what's the science behind it? I know stress can lower the immune system, leave you open to disease.
Could be chemical imbalances. I have a cousin who's chronically depressed. The guy was a machine, but has withered. He'd go gym during the day, chef in a takeaway at night, some days he'd get up early and go to a part time job too. Had relentless energy.
Then the depression hit - he thought he was dying but has nothing wrong with him. Had panic attacks - a few trips to A&E coz he thought he was having heart attacks. Nothing wrong physically though. Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, spent 6 months barely leaving his room.
Now he takes medication for the depression. He's okay to work, but has lost confidence in himself. Doesn't gym, no second job, doesn't eat very much. A shadow of his former self.
Our body is controlled using chemicals, I think depression is partly linked to an imbalance in them.