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The Duggars have attained quite a following over the years. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar brought their 19 kids into the spotlight thanks to shows like 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. Now, certain Duggars — like Joy-Anna Duggar — have quite a following all on their own.

Aside from the Duggars, the Bates family from Bring Up Bates also have a following. And Carlin Bates is good friends with Joy-Anna, though critics think Carlin purposely posted an unflattering photo of her friend.

Joy-Anna Duggar and Carlin Bates are great friends

The Duggar family and the Bates family are quite similar. They’re both huge, Christian, and into having the reality TV spotlight — and it’s no wonder they all get along. There have been rumors for years suggesting a Bates child and a Duggar kid would eventually court and get married. So far, it seems they’re all just good friends.

Carlin and Joy-Anna seem particularly close, and they also share a bond. TV Shows Ace notes Joy-Anna’s talked about how she and Carlin are just five months apart, and they’re both the ninth kids in their families. When Carlin had her first baby, Joy-Anna was in Tennessee to visit the happy mom. And she captioned an Instagram post about her friendship with Carlin.

“Our families have known each other before we were born … and I’m pretty sure we’ve been friends since day one of meeting!” Joy-Anna wrote. “@carlinbates98, So SO happy I was able to come for a short visit and meet baby Layla Rae! Love yoouuu!”

Carlin and Joy-Anna recently posted photos of each other

Not even a pandemic can stop Carlin and Joy-Anna from seeing each other. While Joy-Anna resides in Arkansas and Carlin lives in Tennessee, the two still manage to catch up. On Jan. 25, Carlin posted a photo of her with Joy-Anna on Instagram. It shows the two of them laughing together and having a great time.

“Thx @joy4site for the sweetest surprise visit,” Carlin captioned her post. “Cheers to staying up way too late tonight. Love you big.”

Joy-Anna posted a few photos of the two of them together in Tennessee, too. “Last minute trip to Tennessee to surprise @carlinbates98!” she wrote. “Having the best time!”

Plenty of fans are loving the photos of the ladies together, too.

“Best friend goals and I love the friendship that you have with Joy,” one fan commented on Carlin’s post.

“That is so awesome that you two have such a great friendship,” another commented.

Duggar family critics think Carlin purposely posted an unflattering photo

Jessa, Jinger, Joy-Anna, and Jana Duggar
Jessa, Jinger, Joy-Anna, and Jana Duggar | Ida Mae Astute/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
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Joy-Anna seems to love the photo Carlin posted of the two of them. “Love yooouuu!” Joy-Anna commented. “And this is our best pic yet!” Unfortunately, Duggar family critics don’t agree. Some believe Carlin purposely posted a less-flattering photo of Joy-Anna while Joy-Anna’s photo showed both of their good sides.

“Saw Carlin’s post of this day and how Joy looked in it … and here’s Joy’s,” a Reddit user wrote. “Definitely Carlin serves those Regina George vibes when there were clearly good pics together like this one.”

“Carlin is definitely the friend that tells you to dress casual but wears a super nice outfit with hair and makeup done,” another wrote.

We’re sure Carlin and Joy-Anna wouldn’t agree with this assessment, as the two have been close for as long as they can remember. And ultimately, if Joy-Anna likes the photos Carlin posts of the two of them, then that’s all that matters.

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