Amy Duggar has shared insights into her upbringing and relationships with her cousins, describing them as “surface-level.” During her appearance on the “Unplanned” podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard on December 10, 2023, Duggar elaborated on the dynamics shaped by the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), which her cousins adhered to more strictly than her own family.
“We would spend so much time together. We had tons of trips, all the stuff, but it was more surface-level,” the 39-year-old Duggar reflected. She indicated that discussions about personal struggles or spiritual journeys were rarely engaged in, stating, “We never really talked about the things we were struggling with or what God was doing in our life.” Instead, interactions often revolved around trivial subjects, such as casual compliments and weather discussions.
Duggar’s husband, Dillon King, contributed to the conversation by suggesting that the distinct emotional distance might stem from IBLP teachings, which advocate for maintaining boundaries with those outside their community. “They teach, like, if you’re not in that circle, they keep you at arm’s reach,” King noted.
Modesty Standards and Family Experiences
Amy Duggar also recounted her experiences with modesty standards when visiting her cousins. Although she often opted for jeans, there were instances when she was asked to wear skirts to comply with her cousins’ preferences. “I’ve tried on pantaloons before. I’ve tried on one of their swimsuits,” she mentioned. This effort, she explained, was intended to show respect for her family’s values.
The conversation turned to the first meeting between King and her cousins, which Duggar described as awkward due to differing family rules regarding behavior. “We were at this, like, rock and bowl place… All my cousins were bowling, and they don’t dance, right?” she explained. When King entered the venue dancing to the music, her family members were taken aback, leading to an uncomfortable encounter.
Building Stronger Connections
Despite her complicated family dynamics, Duggar has cultivated a closer relationship with her cousin Jill Duggar. The two cousins collaborated in the Prime Video docuseries “Shiny Happy People,” which discussed the controversies surrounding the Duggar family. “Cousinship is so much fun. Like, we can joke around and laugh and we have inside jokes,” she said, emphasizing the warmth and safety she feels in their bond.
As Duggar continues to navigate her family relationships, she acknowledges the necessity of setting boundaries. “I realized I needed to have boundaries set with my family and the situation because of the lies and things that were told,” she remarked. Her last significant interaction with her uncle, Jim Bob Duggar, occurred shortly before his son, Josh Duggar, faced trial in 2021 for charges related to child pornography, resulting in a sentence of over 12 years in prison.
Amy Duggar’s reflections reveal a complex picture of familial relationships shaped by strict teachings and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and open communication.
