Lineage with No Direct Lines

I have a great many relatives here, and the number keeps growing.

Seems every time I'm out with family, they introduce me to some obscure person I've never met and tell us we're related. In late September I met my father's aunt's son's son which makes him my 3rd cousin (I think).
Saturday I met my father's sister-in-law's brother's daughter. That would make her my:
* 3rd cousin?
* 2nd cousin... -in-law?
* complete and total stranger with shares no common bloodline with me?


Gets kind of confusing.

Wednesday #7

OK, my task (if you recall) was to get along with all my relatives during our family reunion in Arizona. Overall, I did well- I was genial, funny, and accommodating. But I am sad to admit that I failed.

The real snag came from my crazy, crazy-rich aunt. Within 4 hours of my arrival, she took me aside and asked if I wanted to give my mother the best present ever. My only reply was a raised eyebrow. She then proceeded to tell me I should shave off my facial hair and keep it off as the gift.
Without saying a word, I turned around, walked off, and did not talk to her for 3 days.

I am reminded of the saying that you should choose your friends with care because you have no choice in your relatives.