'Counting On': Justin announces his courtship with Claire, here are 7 rules the couple will have to follow
Justin Duggar, 17, and Claire Spivey, 19 are officially in a courtship. The pair announced their courtship in the season finale of the show, but have received a lot of backlash. Fans were not happy to see Justin getting into a courtship when he is 17 years old. While some assumed their courtship will eventually lead to marriage next year, they might be wrong.
The Duggars strictly follow seven rules when it comes to courtship and it does not have to lead to marriage the following year. Many of Justin's siblings have waited nearly 3-4 years before walking down the aisle. While there is a possibility of them getting married, seeing how Justin is just 17, a wedding may take some time. Here's a look at the rules Claire and Justin will have to follow, as reported by Today.
1. Courtship is not the same as dating
According to Jim Bob, dating and courtship are two different things. He believes in dating, people tend to spend alone time to get to know each other, but not with the intention of getting married. However, when it comes to courtship, the end result is always marriage.
2. There’s always a chaperone
The Duggars family ensures there is always someone to watch the couple. Jim Bob believes it helps to keep accountability of what the new pair might be up to.
3. Brothers tend to be number one observers
Brothers always tend to know the best. The Duggar family daughters are often accompanied by their brothers when they go to meet the person they have courted with. "The brothers can see how they treat mom and dad, or see whether they show the sisters respect,” Michelle Duggar told Today.
4. You can only text if parents are included in it
The Duggars allow the children to chat with their suiters but on the condition that they can tag along. Jim Bob and Michalle believe it is good to do that before they have gotten married. The couples are allowed to talk privately on the phone for an hour. However, the call takes place on family phone and not on a personal phone.
5. No kissing or hand-holding
The couples are not allowed to set their own rules with intimacy and then share it with their parents. Most of the Duggars wait until marriage to have their first kiss while others wait until their engagement to hold hands.
6. You need to get the permission of Jim Bob to court a Duggar girl
If someone wants to court a Duggar girl, they have to go through Jim Bob and get his permission. It is important for the family to agree to courtship if someone wants to make their relationship official.
7. Courtship has to lead to marriage
There is no failing when it comes to courtship. Courtship is done with the purpose of getting married and choosing the one. Michelle believes there is no scope for courting as each and every member makes a choice after a lot of thinking. “There is no failed courtship,” Michelle said. “A parent that loves and cares for their children, they want the best relationship for their child. It’s fun to be involved in the whole process in choosing it.”
The season finale of 'Counting on' aired on Tuesday at 9 pm ET on TLC.