Amy Duggar has opened up about her relationships with her cousins, describing them as largely superficial during her upbringing. In a recent appearance on the “Unplanned” podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard, the 39-year-old shared insights into her family’s dynamics and the influence of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) on her relatives.
Despite spending significant time together, including family trips, Duggar noted that conversations often lacked depth. “We never really talked about the things we were struggling with or what God was doing in our life,” she reflected. Instead, interactions were limited to casual topics, such as the weather or compliments on clothing. This lack of emotional connection, she suggested, stemmed from her cousins adhering to strict IBLP teachings, which her own family did not follow.
Dillon King, Duggar’s husband, supported her perspective, stating that IBLP teachings encourage members to maintain emotional distance from those outside their circle. This policy left Duggar feeling somewhat disconnected from her extended family, despite the time they spent together.
Challenges with Family Customs
Duggar recounted experiences of having to adjust her wardrobe to fit her cousins’ modesty standards. Although she preferred wearing jeans, she was sometimes asked to don skirts when visiting them. “I’ve tried on pantaloons before. I’ve tried on one of their swimsuits,” she shared, emphasizing her attempts to respect her family’s values while feeling out of place.
She also described her husband’s initial encounter with her cousins, which highlighted the clash of cultural expectations. During a visit to a bowling venue, King began dancing, unaware that her cousins adhered to a rule against dancing. Duggar recalled that her family members looked at him disapprovingly, which left him confused about the faux pas.
Rebuilding Relationships and Establishing Boundaries
Over the years, Duggar has developed a closer bond with her cousin Jill Duggar. Together, they starred in the documentary series “Shiny Happy People,” which explores the controversies surrounding the Duggar family. Duggar expressed joy in their relationship, noting the fun and laughter they share. “Cousinship is so much fun. We can joke around and laugh,” she said, highlighting the emotional safety she feels with Jill.
Reflecting on her family ties, Duggar acknowledged the importance of establishing boundaries. “I realized I needed to have boundaries set with my family,” she stated, indicating that past lies had strained her relationships. She revealed that her last conversation with her uncle, Jim Bob Duggar, occurred just before his son, Josh Duggar, faced trial for serious criminal charges in 2021. Josh was ultimately sentenced to over 12 years in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography.
Duggar’s candid reflections shed light on the complexities of familial relationships within the context of strict religious teachings. Her experiences illustrate the challenges of navigating personal identity while balancing family expectations, ultimately leading her to prioritize her emotional well-being.
