Reading Time: 3 minutes

Jill Duggar has clashed with family over cult rules, finances, and more.

In some ways, her awful parents have seemed more at odds with her than they are with their disgraced eldest son, Josh.

After Jill exposed several of her family’s wrongs, she has been on the outs. But, every now and then, she has a get-together.

One of her latest family hangouts included none other than Michelle Duggar herself. It’s difficult to smile at this particular reunion.

Jill Duggar had a mini reunion with Michelle

In late May, Jill Duggar took to Instagram to share a little about her 34th birthday celebration.

Born on May 17, 1991, the “black sheep” of the Duggar siblings is now 34.

She celebrated by getting her nails done and enjoying some treats with a few of her sisters — and with her infamous mother, Michelle.

“Birthday time with mama and some of my sistas + gardening + free @tropicalsmoothies,” Jill captioned her post.

The photos show treats, including coffee and what appears to be a Thai spring role with what’s likely peanut sauce. (Anyone else suddenly hungry?)

We also see glimpses of family and friends, including Joy-Anna Duggar and Jessa Duggar.

And, of course, Michelle.

Why are things so awkward?

Tensions have been running high in the Duggar family, and Jill has clearly been a target of some very hard feelings.

In 2023, Jill released Counting The Cost, a memoir that detailed her upbringing in her controversial family and the cult rules that defined much of her life.

She and husband Derick Dillard also spoke on Prime Video’s Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets docuseries.

Like any truthful look into the reality of the Duggar family, it does not portray Jim Bob and Michelle in a flattering light.

Late last year, the internet was abuzz after Jill and Derick attended a Duggar family gathering. The Duggars, fundamentalist Christians, were celebrating Christmas in late December.

However, Derick later revealed that what appeared to be cheerful, happy photos of Jill getting along with Daddy Dearest was actually a calculated ambush by Jim Bob to make it appear that they were getting along well.

Some people simply make an effort to get along with their loved ones.

Jim Bob has a different approach, which seems to involve media manipulation and doling out real estate. The goal? To keep his image and adult children under his control.

Is this reunion a good thing?

Ultimately, it is up to the wronged party — often, as in this case, a child of awful parents — to decide whether to keep toxic people in their lives or to go no-contact.

Jill has not chosen to cut off contact with her family. Except for Josh, a despicable criminal who was a monster long before he first gained computer access.

It is her choice. And while continued contact with Jim Bob and Michelle cannot be a good thing on its own, this is likely the price that she pays for contact with many of her own siblings.

We cannot judge Jill for exposing herself to toxicity like this. Many would do the same.