John-David Duggar and Abbie Burnett
Josiah and Lauren Duggar
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Didn't they show this stuff last season?
ReplyDeleteOnly Felicity’s birth since it was shown in a mini special. The rest is new
Delete8:46 That's what I was going to say. This is all old old stuff that either we've already seen or has been shown elsewhere. You'd think that if they wan't to keep this show on the air, they'd stop leaking everything ahead of time. I mean both TLC and the family through their many media venues.
DeleteFelicity's birth was on the web, not the show. We didn't see Josiah & Lauren's honeymoon. I, personally, can't wait to see updates on the growing children and the married children's changed lives with children. Only 3 weeks! YAY!!
DeleteNo, they haven't shown this yet. Only the mini episode of Jinger's birth has been shown. I wish they wouldn't have shown that mini birth episode though because I am sure we will just see a longer version of it. I love the family and just want the show to not show things twice. I am pleased we still get to see them grow. Both in age and quantity!
DeleteTHESE ARE THE FULL EPISODE,S NOT THE 10 OR 15 MIN SHORT ONE,S THEY ONLY PUT THEM OUT TO KEEP THE FANS HAPPY
DeleteFor the weddings and births, they always have special episodes they show before the new season begins during the current season that on at the time. That's why I never watch them until the next season because I know they are going to show it again.
DeleteWe haven't seen Josiah and Lauren's honeymoon or John David and Abby's proposal and wedding planning. There will be a lot of things we haven't seen.
DeleteTLC in general is pretty far behind. Sister Wives new season premiere was filmed in late 2017 and just aired.
DeleteWhen they waited to show weddings and babies in order during the season, people complained about not seeing it right away. Then they started the hour specials right after the events. Then there were complaints it was showing too much. So now they do the mini specials then show the whole thing during the season.
Poor Jana. I hope she really has big news after a teaser like that.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call her "poor Jana", but it does appear they're revving up for something.
DeleteMe too
DeleteIt's Jessa's pregnancy.
DeleteI am sure the news I Jessa's pregnancy.
DeleteI agree. It would be very cruel to Jana if they teased her as if the news was said to be of her. I think they have spliced the preview together to make it appear that someone said the news was about Jana. I suspect the news is actually Jessa's pregnancy.
DeleteOf course its just Jessa's pregnancy but they're trying to make it look like they're speaking to Jana to get as many viewers as possible.
DeleteThey love teasing announcements when it comes to her. Jana is a favorite among the Duggar fans.
DeleteAgree...I hope Jana has substial news to share!
DeleteIt's not nice that they point to Jana when we know it has nothing to do with her and that people hope she finds her man.
DeleteI hope Jana has her own big news, like she's going to college or actually graduated from an on-line study program, or she's opening a business and finally living on her own.
Delete11:46 - It's never to late to go to college but there is a time on when you can have children. There's also nothing wrong with having getting married and having a family. If she wants to go to college, and have a family also or wait until her future children are grown to go to college. That's on her. And I think Jana is blessed to have parents that aren't ready to kick out their kids when they turn 18.
DeleteI got married right out of high school and had my first baby at 21. I had hobbies but I never had a job, and I didn't go to college. My husband made enough to support me and I our children. I never regret it. I love being a wife and mother. And there is no wrong in that and nobody should be shamed about it or told what they should be doing with their lives. I think you people need to focus on yourselves and not spending your time and energy telling someone like Jana that you don't personally know what she should be doing. Jana is Jana. She decided what to do with her life. Not you or anyone else.
Delete@10:07 I don't think you have to try and beat the clock before the age of 25 to start having children. I think that it's better, if at all possible, to get that post-secondary education before you have a family, whether it's tech/vocational school, college or other job training. Once the kids start coming along, it's all too easy to keep putting it off and money can get
Deletetight. My sister put her own education on hold at a young age to get married and have kids. Her husband passed away before he turned 35 and left her with the daunting task of supporting her kids all on her own. She managed, but it was not easy to work full time and go to college at the same time with kids in school. Yes, there was SS payments and life insurance, but they required more than that to get by and pay for college and save for her retirement.
Excited to see the new season!!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the new season. This has become my favorite show on tv and hoping it it will have more episodes this time around.
ReplyDeleteI guess no one knows what the big announcement is? Seems like this is all old news really. We all know that Jessa is expecting now so I hope that’s not the new news that they’re talking about
ReplyDeleteIt probably is since at the time of some of this filming, she was in her early stages of the pregnancy.
DeleteI think it will be Jess's pregnancy.
DeleteThe announcement might be Jessa’s pregnancy, but I sorta doubt it. Nor do I think it’s Jana, as that looked totally staged. IF there indeed is a big announcement I feel strongly that Joy and the twins Jed and Jer know what it is, as Joy did a terrible job of faking surprise, and her and the twins were winking (at each other?) So my guess is one of the twins is in a relationship! 😊
DeleteOr maybe it's not such a big surprise. Kind of like the Bates promo that talked about twins and it was just baby goats for Chad and Erin.
DeleteTime 1:43PM Thurs 1/24/19
ReplyDeleteI saw the promo today in my opinion the announcement will be about Jessa because Ben & her are excepting their third child.
I think you're right.
DeleteI agree with you Neddy.
DeleteOf course it’s about that; but, I’m still hoping Jana has her day in the sun!
DeleteI enjoy watching "Counting On", best show on TLC...Jane
ReplyDeletePraying for Jana's life partner! ❤
ReplyDeleteTHINK YOU WILL FIND OUT SHE WAS THE 1ST TO KNOW ABOUT JESSA
DeleteShe will find the perfect man soon enough <3
DeleteDo you mean you're praying that Jana will marry someone?
DeletePersonally, I think it's time to exclusively stick with the mini-specials. The Duggars have run their course on TV a while ago.
ReplyDeleteI shake my head and laugh out loud a bit when these courting girls say how 'shocked' and 'surprised' they were at being proposed to. We all know too well that this courting system is a set up to getting MARRIED in the first place. Marriage is the only objective in courting. How could they be so shocked that it came to be?Please, ladies, make some sense when you speak.
ReplyDeleteThey probably just mean they weren't expecting to be proposed to on the day it happened, not that they weren't expecting to be proposed to at all.
DeleteI knew my husband was going to propose to me but the date was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting it when he did it (so, yes, I was shocked). I am sure they are surprised about the proposal but the how and when.
DeleteI feel the same ; it’s so obviously staged!
DeleteThe courting system is no different than dating. Are you going to date/court someone your whole life? What's the point? :\ That's really sad honestly. It's a surprise because some of the engagements come sooner or later. Some courtships last longer than the others. I also notice you made a comment about the show running it's course... That's your opinion. But a lot of other people seem to enjoy this show. I think you are just trying to find things to pick at like there are some people who eat popcorn just so they have something to pick at. They can't help it.. You should really stop. Seriously.
DeleteSounds like you watch just to find fault.
DeleteMost women say that when they are proposed even when they expect it to happen at some point. They say this because they are so happy and we're surprized in the moment. You may expect it to happen at but you can surprised when it happens.
Delete@7:04 Watch it just to find fault? I thought fans on here were elated whenever anyone watched the show because it boosted the ratings. At least that's what they've said. Now you don't want people watching it?
Delete@12:53 Maybe try watching it with some positivity, instead of looking for issues. One of the things in life I really don't understand is when people choose to watch/participate in something that they complain about the whole time. So yeah, I'd rather everyone just watched something they can enjoy, that way they don't have to find fault.
Delete11:27- If all the people who watch the show for purely critical reasons stopped watching, I would bet the show would be history quite quickly.
Delete7:13 Sometimes it's good to watch things you don't agree with so you can confirm that you still don't agree with them. Same goes for reading books, trying foods, etc. How do you ever come up with likes and dislikes if you don't try?
DeleteI highly doubt that because there are more fans than there are haters :) lol. Nice try on trying to make yourself feel better but the truth is still there.
Delete@3:24 Of course sometimes you see something new you don't have an opinion on yet and it takes some time to form one. But once I decide I don't like it (for example, I saw about 3 minutes of a Kardashian show and knew it was trash, IMO), I don't keep watching it just to keep finding things I hate about it. And I don't get on the Kardashians fan page to spread my opinions either. I just don't watch
Delete7:13- I think it important to look at anything critically to a certain degree, as well as ask questions, especially when it's on TV or in the news. (I'd also put religion in this category.) When you don't, it's quite easy to be misinformed or draw conclusions not based on reality. The media is in the business to manipulate the public in order to make money and the Duggars are a part of the entertainment business. I'm not saying they're horrible people, just that they're human and trying to make a living on a reality TV show. Viewers are getting pretty much a one-dimensional perspective on things.
Delete@6:25 You make it sound as if you're afraid to have your opinion heard among anyone who would disagree with you. Nothing wrong with speaking up. Maybe you should try having a discussion with a Kardashian fan sometime.
Delete@5:02 My personal values are far away from the Kardashians money, more money, plastic surgery, photoshoots and designer bags. I'm not afraid or ashamed of that opinion, but in the end it's a tv show, and if I'm going to have a discussion with someone I'd have it about something more important than the luxury lives of millionaires. I don't persecute Kardashian fans - in fact, I don't even know that I know any - but I don't understand them either, and talking about it probably wouldn't help :)
DeleteThe surprise announcement appeared staged. All of them were trying to look surprised but I don't buy it.
ReplyDeleteThere's always someone that says "This picture looks staged", "This surprise announcement look staged", "This birth video look staged", "This wedding looking staged".... I beginning to think all those anons was you....
DeleteEverything IS staged to some degree. TLC is not going to pay a camera crew to just stand around waiting for a conversation to take place or an event to happen. Not every spoken word or facial expression may be scripted, but of course there is some staging when filming is done.
Delete11:29, wrong. Look at it with a critical eye and you can clearly see they are pretending to be surprised. It’s not a derogatory statement, just an observation.
Delete11:29, I’m not the OP, but I’m going to guess it’s multiple people who are saying that. A lot of things looked staged on the show because they ARE. It’s a reality tv show, they have to refilm a lot of stuff, that’s just how it works. There’s nothing wrong with it though.
DeleteCan't hardly wait !! I love this wholesome christian show
ReplyDeleteMe too! But I bet this is going to trigger people who just come on here to troll lol.
DeleteMy favorite show. So excited. Wish it was on longer.
ReplyDeleteOne of the only christian shows on tv. Glad to see it back.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the new season. I always enjoy watching even if I am aware of some of the content, it's still all new viewing. I just wish all family members were featured. There seems to be a definite gap without Jill & Derick and their boys.
ReplyDeleteOh please producers! Do not "tease" us with a promo when everyone already knows the answer! The big announcement? Yes, Jessa is pregnant. No, Jana is not courting. Please TLC - know thy audience! If I am wrong then I will be happy but if I'm right...
ReplyDeleteWe already know its Jessa's birth announcement.👍😊
ReplyDeleteAbbie is so pretty
ReplyDeleteI love the duggars and the way they raise their children with christian morals and values. If only everyone could be as loving and kind!
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt Jana is courting anyone. It’s probably just Jesse being pregnant. Joy has always acted clueless.
ReplyDeleteNot corting anymore? I aassume you are just trolling but in case you are just mistaken I want to point out that the Duggars have never said that Jana has ever been in a courtship. Plus, it's too bad you feel the need to be rude about Joy.
Delete7:53 didn’t say courting any more. It clearly says courting anyone.
DeleteThe way this promo plays, I sincerely hope the news has something to do with Jana. I think it would be in poor taste on the part of TLC producers to ask such a direct question, and that they had heard it from James that it was about Jana if it weren't. Jana may have even kept it as a surprise from her family, except James, since they did not know. It could be about Jessa's third child, since that was not mentioned. But TLC should be aware that that has already been made official. It is strange that Jessa's child is not mentioned. But I do think it would not be good on TLC's part if it is not about Jana.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 10:06 When these clips were recorded Jessa was probably not even pregnant. I personally think Janas 'surprise' is probably her getting her dog Willow, although thats not a huge surprise as we all know she has a dog! Once again TLC is mashing together totally unrelated clips to make it sound like the season is going to be exciting when its mostly stuff we have already seem, and things we already know, no surprises here people move along!
DeleteTLC does that with all the shows. But it could still be about Jana, there are 3 announcements. One of them is definitely Jessa's pregnancy.
DeletePlease let those of us who love this family enjoy whatever "mashing" TLC decides to do. I am so looking forward to the new season....hopefully it's a long one. Whatever Jana does, she is an accomplished woman with many talents who seems to be happy with her life. And, to her credit, she is not willing to settle just to add Mrs. to her name. I married in haste to please others and was divorced in 12 years. Even though I have 2 wonderful sons whom I love very much, I wish I would've had Jana's courage when I was her age. Go, Jana!!! 👍
Deleteanonn@2:23- It takes courage to strike out on your own and build a life for yourself. Jana hasn't done that.
DeleteThe first segment of the promo is mysterious Jessa says that the whole thing from start to finish was a surprise to her. Yet later in the promo Ben acts surpised and says "really??". What is it that was a complete surprise for Jessa? "The whole thing from start to finish" does not sound like it was about the baby. TLC is really trying to generate some curiosity.
ReplyDeleteWouldn’t it be great if Jana has been married all along to Tim Tebow!
DeleteI was wondering about that too. It's weird since after that Jinger talks about being a mother.
DeleteBut my guess is that she was talking about John David's courtship
Anon 6:39. I seriously doubt that Tim Tebow and Jana are married. His mother wouldn't permit him to marry into the Duggar family, even if he wanted to (which is highly unlikely).
DeleteTebow announced his engagement recently to a former beauty queen. No chance he and Jana would have ever been a couple!!
Delete@Anon 8:39. That's a nice fantasy but totally unlikely. They may have met once or twice at a conference or something but there's never been any indication that they ever did more than exchange greetings.
DeleteTim Tebow recently announced his engagement to someone else.
DeleteTim Tebow is engaged to a former Miss Universe winner. They’re a very cute couple.
DeleteIt looked to me like they're doing a segment on the expectation vs reality when each of the girls gave birth.
Delete12:15 - Tim Tebow is engaged to someone else and you seem to know a lot about his mother. Is she really controlling? lol.
DeleteCan't wait till Feb. 11th! Excited to hear Jana's announcement
ReplyDeleteI love the video. I've watched your shows since 2004. Since the first variety hour came on. I've watched 14 children and pregnant again, on the road with 16 children, raising 16 children, 16 children and moving in, Duggar's big family album, 17-18-19 kids and counting and now counting on. I enjoyed all the shows and still enjoy them to this day. I'm excited a new season is starting. I have all the DVD's available. I have the books A Love That Multiplies and 20 and Counting. I have Growing Up Duggar on CD's. My family and I just love listening to them. Natasha B.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for counting on to be back!!!! Yay
ReplyDeleteThe only couple they didn't show at the end about the big news was Josiah & Lauren so I'm guessing they're expecting - not surprising as they've been married a while now.
ReplyDeleteIt could be Jessa & Ben expecting but they showed them both & Ben saying 'really?'
Jess & Ben ARE expecting!!!
DeleteThere are 3 announcements.
DeleteThese teasers usually turn out to be something that's already known. Like Jessa and Ben being pregnant and surprised by it. As though not using BC wouldn't result in a pregnancy with a couple who already had two children.
Delete8:40, you do understand that the Duggars don’t believe in BC PILLS, because they believe that they can cause you to have a miscarriage. That doesn’t believe they don’t believe in using any form of BC, eg., abstaining during ovulation.
Delete4:48 - Birth control was a lot different back than as they have more variety options. Michelle stated later that it was the pills that she feels more strongly against. However, I think if any of the kids are using it, it would be in a different form. My mother used birth control pills and it did not work for her, however, she was lucky not to have any miscarriages and not difficulties with labor and delivery.
Delete4:48- They’ve repeatedly stated that they believe in leaving the number of children up to God, so any form of contraception would interfere with that.
DeleteAnon 4:45. The Duggars frequently claim they want as "many children as God gives them". That pretty much rules out using ANY sort of BC.
Delete10:16- I can assure you that there were quite a number of birth control options "back then", not just the bc pill.
DeleteNot the wedding?
ReplyDeleteI hope we get to see some new happenings. Felicity is going to be a year old in July. Why would they show her birth again?
ReplyDeleteJoan,Marion and Marilyn
Because that is what TLC des. Show the same stuff over and over with different camera angles.
DeleteBecause the full thing hasn’t been on tv
DeleteThey always show sneak peek special episodes of the wedding and births before the full episode on the next new season. That's why I don't watch them because I know they are going to show the full thing next time.
DeleteCompletely agree. Why are they showing the birth again? I saw the episode where they moved from the birthing center to the hospital, she got the epidural, waited a long time, put together a puzzle, and then gave birth. What else is there to see?
DeleteCan't wait! I'm anxious to hear what Jana's announcement is! I know it's not Jessa's pregnancy, that would be Jessa's announcement
ReplyDeleteYes, there are 3 announcements. It was rumored that Jana is courting someone. But one of the announcements are definitely Jessa's pregnancy. And there was another rumor that Lauren is pregnant. So we shall see :)
DeleteI hear she has a dog now. That might be her "big announcement".
Delete11:18 - Sounds like you are jealous that there is a possibility that Jana is courting someone and not going to college. I love how that bugs feminist who believe it's a sin to be a wife and mother. I can't wait to see Jana's wedding and birth of her first child in the near future.
Delete@7:16 It's a shame that you have such a hostile view of women who share a common goal, which is to achieve and maintain equality of sexes. This includes educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal to those for men. Sure, there are some extrememists, just as there are in religion. I consider myself a feminist in that I have taught my daughter to not limit herself or feel pressure to conform to anyone else's idea of what her life should be. Marriage and children may be a part of that if she chooses, but it shouldn't be an expecatation. IMO, women are doing themselves a favor in the long run by not assuming they can rely on a man to support them indefinitely. It's not fair to them or the guy. It simply makes sense to plan ahead, get some training, education, or job skills that help you be finanicially independent. You never know what life-changing events can come your way- divorce, sickness, spouse's job loss, death. Having been brought up in a very conservative evangelical church, I saw too many women marrying young because they felt it was expected of them. Once the children started coming along, their path was clearly defined. Some of them married controlling bums who used their patriarchal religious beliefs as a justification for treating them like second-class citizens. They were stuck, because divorce was not an option. Your comment suggests that it is you who may be jealous of or have disdain for women who do go to college or have a career. That some women are so obviously pitted against one another because of what may be their own insecurities is tragic and completely unnecessary.
Delete7:16, I suggest you do some research on what exactly being a feminist is all about. These blanket statements we see over and over on this blog about feminists hating men, hating marriage and children is so completely off base and more than a little ridiculous. I consider myself a feminist and, guess what? I’ve been happily married for 43 years and have 3 kids. I just happen to believe that women should have the same opportunities as men and should earn the same as men for the same job. Women’s voices should be heard and their opinions valued. There is nothing wrong with that or anti-Christian as some people seem to think.
Delete7:16 If feminists believe that being a wife and mother are "sins" why would they be jealous of someone folowing that path?
Delete9:14 -- Women DO earn the same as men for the same work. Otherwise, employers would hire only females.
Delete2:22 Unfortunately, that's not true about the pay. Even with federal laws, there still can be about a 5% pay difference in some jobs. Employers can use things like claims of different education or experience to hide the difference. Unless men & women stand around the office and compare pay stubs, these differences often go unnoticed. Employers couldn't hire only females because it would be too obvious what was going on and they'd be charged with gender discrimination.
DeletePerhaps Jana is moving out and trying a different career path? I would definitely be cheering her on for that!
ReplyDeleteI am sure Jana and her siblings is thankful that she has parents that love her and doesn't want to kick them all out soon as they are 18. I lived with my parents until I was 25 and got married. I work as a taekwondo instructor and made enough money to live out on my own but my parents made me feel loved enough that I didn't have to nor did I feel the need to leave home like so many miserable people. If your kids are desperate to get out, there's something wrong with the parents.
DeleteIf your kids aren't desperate to get out and make it on their own, there's also something wrong with the parents. The goal is to launch your kids into their own self-sufficient, independent lives and make them eager and confident to achieve that.
Deleteanon@10:22 Your last statement is quite unfair and disrespectful. Most young people I know, including my own children, had a natural desire to seek a life of indepence away from their childhood home once they graduated from high school. My husband and I encouraged that and they were not desperate. We are a very loving family. IMO, a integral part of becoming an adult is learning how to be self-sufficient and become your own person. Had I lived at home for such a long time, I'd have still felt like a child in some ways. If you have the ability and fortitude to get out and get a job or required education to find one, I think a person should do that. Live at home while going to college if it's practical or if there's extenuating circumstances, but I would never encourage anyone to continue living with their parents indefinitely. BTW, I assume you were paying your parents board and room while living there, considering you were earning a living.
Delete10:22- Only the miserable and desperate want to leave home? There’s so much wrong and downright nasty about your comment that I’m surprised it was even posted. It makes about as much sense as someone saying only the greedy and selfish continue to live with their parents when they’re perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.
DeleteThere's something wrong with parents if kids aren't desperate to leave their home? Do you realize how odd that sounds? Eager and excited, maybe, but desperate?
Delete3:21 -- Yes, it's natural for kids to want to launch.
DeleteI think it's a natural and healthy ambition for a grown child to want to leave home and using all the skills they have acquired to thrive in life. I don't think it's always the best idea for a young woman to leave home on the arm of a husband in order to have a life. If you raised them right then they don't need a caretaker in order to make it in this world.
DeleteMy son of 25 is also living with us so he can save the money he is working for and soon hopefully he can buy a house.
DeleteIf you think that I am a bad parent because my son still lives at home so be it
Anon 4:38 I don't think anyone would call you a bad parent because your son chooses to live at home until he saves for his own home. I think people are having a problem with someone saying a child is miserable it they want to leave home. I myself have a problem with parents convincing a female child that for her it's only ok or safe for her to leave home if she is getting married. So many woman have left home and made a good living on their own and then met a like-minded Christian man and then married and have wonderful lives together.
DeleteNo volume on the video. Have tried 2 days. Have volume on other sites.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason this video is muted by default (If you look at the volume icon in the player, does it have a little "X" next to it?). If so, just click on the icon to set the volume. :) I was confused too for a minute, so it wasn't just you! ;)
DeleteIt could also be depending on the country you are from, either the video won't play at all or the audio gets cut :(
DeleteI hope that Jana is in a courtship...or even already secretly married. She strikes me as the type who wouldn't want the cameras following her around as she planned her wedding. And she seems like she would like a quiet wedding not on TV. Just my thoughts about what she seems like. I would be so very happy if she got to fall in love and get married.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Jana is courting. Maybe one of her 20 y/o brothers is courting. Or Josiah and Lauren are pregnant. About time for them to announce a pregnancy.
DeleteThat would be cool if she had a private wedding (but I'd still want to see pics!).
DeleteShe’s still living at home and is definitely not secretly married🙄🙄
DeleteI don't see Jana having a "private" wedding. After being a bridesmaid so often she would likely go for a big wedding just to be on equal terms with the others.
DeleteI love this family
ReplyDeleteI hope Jana gets to start courting soon I can't wait to see counting on back on TV soon
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Jana's announcement will be. She's not dating Tim Tebow for sure. He just announced his engagement to someone else. Maybe she too is dating someone else.
ReplyDeleteWell it seems to me that these courting couples don't really talk to each other. I would think that they have certainly discussed where their relationship is going..to marriage OR not prior to being proposed to. These women need to preface by saying, I knew it was coming soon, because so and so and I have talked about moving forward and getting married with one another, but I didn't know it would be THAT day. They make it sound like it came out of left field and hit them smack across the face in the dark. Shocked is not what any potential fiance' should be about being proposed to.
ReplyDeleteObviously these young couples in these "courtships" expected to get married. I think they were just exaggerating a bit about how "socked" they were when proposed to. Makes for good TV.
DeleteThat's your opinion but you wouldn't be thinking that if you actually watched the show and read their books. The courting couples set the rules themselves and text/email/skype, and still go out like any dating couple. Do you say this about regular dating couples? Proposal is surprise both dating or courting. Are you suppose to date or court all your life? What would be the point if it didn't lead to marriage? What would be the point of being in a relationship? But yet you question and assume things about how they date. Interesting. I don't think they are the ones with the problem here. Sounds like you have commitment issues.
DeleteAnon 7:19. Do you really believe these young couples in the Duggar family make their own dating rules in which they have to have a chaperone on every date and have their phone calls, texts and e-mails monitored by JB and Michelle? I find that highly unlikely. Dating is a way to get to know someone, most of us don't expect to marry the first person we go out on a date with. We date a number of different people before finding the person we choose to marry. Duggars DON'T. They tend to marry the only person they date.
Delete7:19, A dating couple is different from courting in that they aren't necessarily thinking about marriage right off the bat. It can be casual without any serious thought about a permanent relationship. I was glad that I dated a lot of different guys because when my husband came along, I knew he was the right one. Also, my parents weren't monitoring my calls or insisting upon chaperones. The Duggars don't seem to have much opportunity to get to know anyone outside of a courtship or in a private way. As the old saying goes, you have to kiss quite a few frogs before you find your prince!
DeleteUmm..because they don't DATE? Courting is with the intention of marrying. What purpose does dating serve? It only trains you to get divorce. "I don't like this person...next!"
DeleteSo far the only "rule" we've seen these kids make for "themselves" is when to hold hands. Maybe they got to decide if the 2 side hugs a day would be 3-second hugs or 4-second hugs, too. It's like picking which pew to sit in at church. You have a choice, but you're still at church...
Delete@ Amy2 "I don't like this person...next!" actually trains you NOT to get a divorce. You sift out the ones you don't want to spend the rest of your life with so when the right one comes along, you know it!! The Duggar-type (non-dating) girls don't get a chance to compare and contrast. They have to mold themselves to fit whatever they end up with, no matter what it puts them through later (Anna, for example). In my opinion, that's sadder than divorce.
Delete3:51- Marrying the first person you court is not an immunity from divorce either, especially if you're never alone with that person or have any private conversations prior to getting married.
Delete7:19- I dated a lot before I got married, never chaperoned, but I didn't view every guy as a potential husband. Marriage is the expectation of courtship with these mega families. It really comes as no surprise when there is a proposal. As far as any rules the courting couples make, they're still pretty much all within the framework that has been set for them by their parents and religious doctrine. They have to be chaperoned and there's no alone time. If they are secure in their beliefs and ability to resist temptation, I don't understand why they would be threatened by spending private time with their significant other.
DeleteAmy2, so why is that marriages between people who are older (+25) have a higher success rate and much lower divorce rate that marriages between people younger than 25.
DeleteALL of the long term marriage I know(30 years and more) are between couples who married in their late 20s and older and dated other people before they meet.
For all of you assuming that the Duggar girls just "end up" with the first guy that asks them, they've mentioned on the show before how they've turned down guys who were interested. It's not like they're "stuck" with the first guy that comes along.
DeleteI think that is a pretty bad risk to start a relationship with someone where you are with a chaperone at all times, where your conversations are listened to and your texts are monitored. You in no way will see the person for who they really are if everything is monitored like that. Then you throw in the no divorce rule and a husband who is home all day and be happily available to your husband rule and you are looking at an nitemare, I don't care what anyone says or how big the smile is on these girls faces. That is an unrealistic expectation to put on anyone.
DeleteI don't know the only thing I know is that my husband and I are married for 35 years now and we were at the age at 23 and 21 when we married and still happy also with our 2 sons from 34 and 27. ;-).
DeleteGreets from the Netherlands.