Every family has its quirks - but they're usually harmless and nothing to worry about. However, one woman has revealed she uncovered her grandad's deepest, darkest secret when taking an at-home DNA test for fun.
She explained how she ordered testing kits for her household after they became popular - but instantly regretted it after the results came in. The woman said: "I did a home DNA testing kit. I then got kits for my siblings and my parents - and encouraged my cousins other family to do it. The test connected us with a couple of relatives that we didn't know we had."
But it turns out her 67-year-old grandad has an entire other family, who he has been keeping secret for at least 45 years.
"He is legally married to another woman and not my grandmother," she added. "They had a wedding but they are not legally married.
"He has a wife and a bunch of kids and grandkids with his other family. I don't know how he hid this for all this time."
She went on to explain how her grandad travels a lot for work - but they never would have thought he'd be the type of person to live a secret double life.
The woman added: "My grandmother is devastated. They have been 'married' for 45 years but when we investigated the marriage was not real.
"None of us had a clue and now it's like our family was destroyed and so is his other family. I wish I could go back in time and not take that stupid test."
Destroyed by the truth, the woman has taken to Reddit to urge others against taking DNA kits, saying "some things are better left hidden".
Commenting on her post, one user said: "It’s actually good that you found out now. The DNA test is a blessing in disguise.
"Your grandmother would have been blind sided from losing everything she thought belonged to her and your family that his legal family could inherit and take should your grandfather pass.
"Your grandma has time to protect herself and get a lawyer. Sorry your grandfather is a snake."
Another user added: "The truth usually comes out in one way or another. I wouldn't beat yourself up about doing the DNA tests.
"This allows your grandmother the opportunity to plan as she could have been left with nothing if grandfather died.
"You aren't responsible for the damage from other people's lies. This is a huge lie."
A third user said: "You are the other family. Granny needs to be protected legally now. She will be entitled to nothing.
"If she had a 'wedding' and she knew it wasn't legally registered she gets nothing. I would have her pursue under bigamy as they were domestic partners if that is recognised where you live.
"Best to get her a lawyer while he is alive and find out what she does have a right to. Why wait until she is homeless and her inheritance is resentment over a 45 year lie."
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