Fans of 19 Kids and Counting were let into the world of courting last night, on the TLC show’s season premiere.
Jessa, the Duggar’s third-oldest daughter, began courting 18-year-old Ben Seewald last year, and the touching and kind of awkward proposal of sorts was featured on Tuesday’s show.
Just like when he wanted to get to know Jessa better, Seewald had to first consult with her parents before he was able to ask if Jessa could enter a courtship with him. Mr. and Mrs. Duggar agreed, then allowed Seewald to ask her. They then made the formal announcement in front of the whole Duggar gang.
The episode also aired the new couple going on a date with Seewald’s parents. Mom and pops asked Jessa a few questions, and the no nonsense 21-year-old answered them with confidence, although later she did admit she was nervous.
See some of the episode, here:
Jessa’s older sister Jill recently announced she has entered a courtship with Derick Dillard. What is courtship you ask? The sisters address the subject in the new book Growing Up Duggar.
The fundamental Christians believe dating is simply about having fun, which can cause heartache and giving pieces of yourself to others that you can’t take back. During courtship, kissing or even holding hands is strictly forbidden, however, side hugs are permitted.
The girls advise against dating and engaging in physical relationships for reasons that actually make a lot of sense.
“The girl may so yearn to feel valued and accepted by a male that she gives in to the boy’s desires. But too often the boy’s ‘love’ for her turns out to be fleeting, and the girl is left cast off and degraded. From there, things can easily spiral downward as the girl’s yearning to feel valued intensifies and she seeks acceptance from the next boy who comes along. We hear from a lot of girls in this painful situation,” they write in their book.
Say what you will about the Duggars, but it’s doubtful any of these “celebrities” will end up in jail, addicted to drugs, or starring in any scandalous sex tapes, which is a lot more than you can say for most people who are so-called role models for today’s younger generation.
Image via YouTube