Amy Duggar Reflects on Shallow Relationships with Cousins

Amy Duggar has opened up about her childhood relationships with her cousins, describing them as “surface level” during a recent podcast appearance. On December 10, 2023, she spoke on the “Unplanned” podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard, sharing insights into her family dynamics shaped by the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP).

Reflecting on her upbringing, the 39-year-old stated, “We would spend so much time together. We had tons of trips, all the stuff, but it was more surface-level. It wasn’t really heartfelt.” According to Duggar, conversations often revolved around trivial topics rather than deeper personal struggles or spiritual experiences. “We never really talked about the things we were struggling with or what God was doing in our life,” she noted, emphasizing the lack of emotional depth in those interactions.

Duggar’s husband, Dillon King, added context to her reflections by claiming that the IBLP teachings influenced the distance between family members. “They teach, like, if you’re not in that circle, they keep you at arm’s reach,” he explained, shedding light on the constraints that shaped their family relationships.

Family Dynamics and Modesty Standards

Amy Duggar also discussed her experiences regarding modesty standards enforced by her cousins. Although she typically wore jeans, there were instances where she was asked to don skirts to align with their values. “I’ve tried on pantaloons before. I’ve tried on one of their swimsuits,” she recalled, indicating her attempts to respect their rules while maintaining her own identity.

She described a particularly awkward moment when King first met her cousins. At a bowling event, where music was playing, King began dancing, unaware of the IBLP’s prohibition against such behavior. Duggar recounted how her family reacted: “All my cousins were bowling, and they don’t dance, right? So, when he first met them, he walked in and he was like, dancing and just cracking up.” The discomfort was palpable, as her family turned away slowly, leaving King confused about the social norms he had inadvertently breached.

Evolving Relationships and Setting Boundaries

In recent years, Duggar has developed a closer bond with her cousin, Jill Duggar, with whom she starred in the docuseries “Shiny Happy People” on Prime Video. “Cousinship is so much fun. Like, we can joke around and laugh,” she said, highlighting the vital connection they now share. Duggar expressed gratitude for the safe space they have created for one another, contrasting it with her earlier family experiences.

Amy has also taken significant steps to establish personal boundaries with her broader family. “I realized I needed to have boundaries set with my family and the situation because of the lies and things that were told,” she shared. This was not a reflection of her feelings toward her cousins, but rather a recognition of the complexities surrounding their relationships.

Previously, she disclosed to *Us Weekly* that her last interaction with her uncle Jim Bob occurred shortly before his son, Josh Duggar, faced legal issues. Josh was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for charges related to child pornography, a scandal that has continued to cast a long shadow over the Duggar family.

Amy Duggar’s candid reflections shed light on the intricate dynamics of family relationships influenced by strict religious teachings. Her journey toward establishing healthier connections underscores the importance of emotional authenticity and personal boundaries within family structures.