Jeremiah Duggar, James Duggar, Joy Forsyth,
Justin Duggar, Jason Duggar, Jedidiah Duggar
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
Monday, September 21, 2020
Duggar #14 is Courting
243 comments:
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He's only 17! This is devastating.
ReplyDeleteDevastating lol. That is very dramatic. He is almost 18 and plenty old enough to have a girlfriend.
DeleteMy cousin knew in Grade 9 that he had met his future wife. They wanted to get married when they finished Gr 12 but were forced to wait another couple years so they just lived together. They've now been married more than a decade.
DeleteI agree. I am not excited or intrested in this courtship at all. he seems like a very very nice young man and a very very likable and a sweet girl but this even looks so much more ridiculous that janas who is what 12 years older than him has never courted. I mean you're passing by Jed, Jer, and Jason. this sort of reminds me of joy all over again. My 1st reaction imwas she was so young and really called attention to Jana. I think it's safe to say at this point we're all finally in agreement Jana is not intrested in getting married.
DeleteDevastating? I wouldn't go that far. He is young and it wouldn't be what I would choose for my kids....but this seems to be the way of the Duggar's.
Delete17 is very young. I’m surprised Claire’s father agreed and didn’t say to wait a few years first.
ReplyDeleteFriends who are 75 years old met as children and knew in their early teens they wanted to get married. They married when they finished high school.
DeleteIt'll be interesting to see if this lasts longer than Josiah and Marjorie!
ReplyDeleteIt's Marjorie that wasn't ready for marriage,if Josiah had started courting Lauren at that age they would have still married,because a couple of years don't make much difference some people mature earlier,then again maybe Marjorie just realised they weren't compatible.
DeleteMarjorie and Josiah happened when a lot was going on in the Duggar family. I wouldn't blame Marjorie for backing out. I wouldn't blame her dad for forbidding it. Similar thing happened to Josh.
DeleteOMG. At the ripe old age of 16 Justin settled on his life partner? Are Duggars on board with this? What about HER parents? I find whole thing unbelievable. I'm sure a wedding will follow in short order since these courtships never last very long before the engagement and wedding.
ReplyDeleteHe is 17, almost 18.
Delete11:39 - The post said he knew he was going to marry her within a week of meeting, which happened when he was 16.
DeleteAt that age it’s just the hormones talking in my opinion.
Yes he is 17, almost 18, but he was 16 when he met Claire and decided she was the one. That's what the OP meant.
DeleteJustin is really very very young for this. Basically, he will be a teen dad. It's a shame.
ReplyDeleteHe looks like a tiny baby in those courting pictures. On his way to his first homecoming dance and his mommy bought a corsage to give his date.
DeleteMost teen dads are irresponsible because it wasn't planned,with fundamental people it's a completely different story,they are taught responsibility early so they can marry early,and they rarely end in divorce because they analise the relationship throuhly,even their parents help them to decide if they are ready for marriage,I believe Kelton and Josie Balka started courting at an even younger age but Gil halted it for a while for fear it was just an infatuation but when they restarted Gil had seen that they had matured and gave them the go ahead to marry,after all Justin and Claire were given lots of time to get to know each other and their feelings if they have been getting to know each other for over a year.
DeleteIt's not the same as the typical teen dad scenario. They aren't just casually dating and going "too far" and having a baby. They are taking this seriously and getting to know each other, their values, and what they want out of their future. This is how courtships work and is very responsible. He will be 18 soon so if they end up getting engaged or married when he is 18 then that is fine because they are taking the friendship and courtship stages seriously. My bet is if they end up getting married their marriage will long and happy because they are taking these steps seriously.
DeleteA 17 year old courting...too young. It would’ve been nice to see Jed or Jer courting instead.
ReplyDeleteI hope they have a very long courtship and really think marriage through.
Enough already. These kids have been raised in a bizarre alternate world where dating, marriage, and reproducing are income-generating work. A young person of his age needs to establish independence as an adult first, before ever considering entering into marriage or bringing children into their home. This dysfunction has grown into multi-generational mental abuse.
ReplyDelete2:01 I totally agree! The kids are denied normal teenage years so they have to replace having fun going out on dates with getting married! Not good for anyone's mental health. No wonder Josh thought about dating after he got married!
DeleteAgree
DeleteYour words are blunt, but very true. I couldn't agree more.
DeleteHow so? There are kids as young as 12 who start dating and becoming sexually active. At least Justin is 17, he is only courting. Even if he become sexually active at 18, it will be done as a well though scenario within marriage, instead of casual.
DeleteHe is so young!!
ReplyDeleteIn the spring of 2019, Justin was only 16 1/2 and within a week, he knew Claire was the one. What do you know at 16 1/2? And now, he's not 18 until November, and committed to a courtship already. I thought they had to wait until 18 to even "get to know" someone?
ReplyDeleteA 16 year old has a brain,they can be responsible enough to make decisions,and no they have to be over 18 to marry.
Delete7:55 - The brain isn’t fully developed until 25. Also, at 16 people are very hormonal teens, I wouldn’t be surprised if his feelings were just infatuation.
DeleteClaire looks like a nice, fun, sensible girl. No modesty undershirt showing above her blouse, and no long stringy hair. She looks modern. Seems like a good match!
ReplyDeleteModern looks = good match.
Delete9:21 - lol, I know! How can you know they’re a good match when we have barely seen them interact?
DeleteClaire is the oldest of 6 children. Most likely she is excited to get away from being a major caretaker of her siblings. I wish her happiness in her marriage venture.
ReplyDeleteShe wil get a big family soon to take care of.
DeleteCongratulations Justin ans Claire!!
ReplyDeleteShe came along, just when he needed her? Now that's a curious statement for him to make. Justin isn't even 18 years old yet. Unless they plan on a very long courtship and engagement, like at least five years, he's entirely too young to make such a committment. If it's true love, it can be patient and wait. I wouldn't be surprised if this may be orchestrated by JimBob, in an effort to head off at the pass some problem. If history repeats itself, they'll be married by spring. This young woman looks and talks amazingly like Jana, IMO.
ReplyDeleteJustin was probably spending too much time in the shower so Jim bob decided it was time to tie him down.
DeleteI don't know why JB and Michelle fostered this relationship but I don't think we'll ever know what their motives are. Most young people Justin's age aren't ready for marriage.
Delete12:05 - Your comment is crude and rude!
DeleteShe reminds me of Jana. Both in her looks and the way she talks.
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing. Congratulations you two. I hope they have a long everlasting relationship together.
ReplyDeleteThis is old news. People already figured it out on the internet days ago. Wait a minute, isn't Justin only 17? Wow, the Duggars keep courting younger and younger.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, if they get married next year will he be the youngest boy to marry in his family.
ReplyDeleteHe decided at the age of 16 that she was the one? I'm sorry, but the human brain has a long ways to go at that age before it's matured. If this were any teenage couple who was simply dating, no one would think anything of it. However, we know this will result in a marriage within six months. All I can say is, "Yikes!"
ReplyDeleteI decided at 16 Leonardo DiCaprio was the one and now 20 years later I’m proud to say that’s as true today as it was then. Shows what you know!
DeleteAgree on the human brain
DeleteHaven't you heard of people who married their high school sweethearts and knew they had met the right one as teenagers? I sure have. This is nothing new.
DeleteHe may have felt he knew at 16 that she was the one but they spent time to get to know each other better for a year. No rush job here. Although it's more unusual nowadays to settle down so early that doesn't mean it is better. As long as he is mature and able to take care of the family then there is no problem with it. All indications are that he is a hard working young man.
Delete9:23 - my best friend married her high school sweet heart who she started dating at 14 but they were together for 10 years before he even proposed. By that time they both had jobs and were financially stable. They were definir weren’t ready to get married right out of high school.
DeleteI also know other several teen marriages who ended in divorce so 🤷🏼♀️
Claire I hope you know what you are getting in to.
ReplyDeleteShe thinks she’s signing up for fame and fortune, just like the other spouses. She’s about to get hit with an Anna or Derick-sized dose of reality.
DeleteShe kind of looks like Jana.
ReplyDeleteShe looks between Jana and Jill,she sure is pretty,they make a lovely couple.
DeleteI don't think Justin was the one most people suspected was in a courtship now, but Justin and Claire are definitely a cute couple. May the Lord bless this relationship. Congratulations to both.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I can't imagine that someone at age 16 would know "she's the one". He's not even 18 NOW and how does he expect to support a wife and family? I was so hoping that he wasn't courting and that he would announce something else.
ReplyDeleteHe knew she was "the one" at age 16? He is a child with no adult life experience, and the attraction is mostly hormones at this point. How can he make such an adult choice and be mature enough to be a husband and father? Another one who will go directly from the bunk beds to marriage without a clue.
ReplyDeleteHow can the families be old friends for 20 yrs, but the kids just met in 2019? That doesn't make sense to me.
ReplyDeleteThese two teens weren’t even born when they met. The families are also probably acquaintances or long lost friends that don’t see each other super often so they are just now getting to knowledge each other. I met my parents’ friends kids as a teenager.
DeleteNothing this family does in the dating and marrying area makes sense to me. Instead of letting their children date a variety of people and make a better choice, they foster relationships between their children and those of friends in their religious group.
DeleteI think it is like when you go to a large school with several hundred in your graduating class. You may know someone or "know of them" but you have never hung out together. Or, imagine your parents have casual friends or acquaintances in another state that they see once a year. However, when they see them it is in a group setting with hundreds of other people so their kids don't necessarily hang out and get to know each other. It seems that's how the big family conferences are. There are hundreds of kids so they don't all get to know each other unless their parents are really good friends or they are in one of the classes together. Remember, it's not like typical kids in our culture that go out and hang out with kids their own age at parties and other gatherings without parents or chaperones (at least until they reach a certain age). Their parents may know each other and consider themselves friends but they may not spend much or any time together at each others homes or other gatherings outside of the family conferences. I am not an insider but that is how I understand it and it makes complete sense to me. My parents have had friends they have known for years and I didn't get to know their kids until I was a young adult.
DeleteEverybody has a different life story. My parents socialized a lot and all of us kids were the same age and we were all good friends. That's why I had trouble understanding. Very fond memories.
DeleteCongratulations, to Justin, and Claire!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy are they acting like they just met, they’ve know each other since they were babies and see each other every year at the conference that both of their families go to.
ReplyDeleteBig Sandy? I can't imagine why anyone thinks this is a good idea. I'm sure she's a nice girl but they're both so young and how will Justin support them since women in their religious group EXPECT to stay at home and have babies.
DeleteThey probably didn’t really know each other. I think their families were acquaintances but not close friends.
DeleteThey said that like paid attention to each other last year. Obviously they knew each other since childhood. Maybe their parents arranged them and last year they met to see how they like each other.
DeleteNo, they specifically said that their families have known each other for 20 years but they just met last year.
DeleteWow! 17?? Isn’t he still in high school? I have 2 18 year old and I would freak out if they entered a “courtship” at such a young age
ReplyDeleteI agree 17 is young. Jim Bob and Michelle don't have a problem with marrying young because Michelle was 17 when she got married and Jim Bob had just turned 19.
DeleteBen was only 18 when he started courting Jessa. Josiah entered into his first courtship when he was 18 and Marjorie was still 17.
@3:29 I know! What kind of parent encourages this? I married my high school sweetheart but we waited until 5 years after graduation. We had both dated other people during that time, went to college, and had full-time jobs. I can't imagine entering into a serious relationship at 17, no experience, no college, no job other than another one of Jim Bob's unclear enterprises. You know a baby will be there in the first year too. Unreal.
Deletecourtship just means dating. it's not and engagement. they don't call it dating. your 18 year old's don't date. courtship is just an old fashion way of dating, and only dating exclusively.
DeleteIf someone courts does that mean they get married soon or are they allowed to court for a year or two before marriage? Seventeen is so young for marriage so that's why I was wondering.
DeleteTrick question. The Duggars don’t go to school.
Deleteto 4:39 that is sad that you dated other people and wasted all that time just to go back to the high school person. Maybe you did not appreciate what you had. Don't know but wouldn't want to have been with so many different people.
DeleteANONYMOUS 4:26, Yeah Ben was 18 years old and immature when he started his courtship and Josiah first courtship didn't last..
Delete9:41- the longest courtship in Duggar land was 11 months. The rest were shorter than 6 Months. None of them lasted over a year and sadly I don’t think this one will either.
DeleteRemember JB and Michelle married at 17 and 18.
DeleteThey can court for a year or two, be engaged for six months, and be close to 20 when they get married. He has time to figure out how he's going to support her and time to save up money.
DeleteAbout 4 couples I knew who started dating in high school ended up getting married. But, they did not get married until after they graduate college and got jobs or went to grad school.
Delete@9:21 I think the Duggars define courtship as dating with the expectation that engagement is imminent. Before courtship they “get to know one another.” There is no casual dating in Duggarland
Delete9:21 in their group of like- minded individuals courting is way more than dating! They court someone who they feel is a good marriage partner. No casual dating. Someone else mentioned this is hormones at work and I wholeheartedly agree. This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen from this family in a while. Both sets of parents should be ashamed for allowing this.
DeleteI hope this works out. They seem so young to be getting married. Justin isn't even 18 yet.
ReplyDeleteI have very mixed emotions about this. I certainly wish them the best. But at the same time, I am very concerned for them. I used to teach high school and can't imagine my students courting at that age. Dating, yes. Courtship? or dating with the purpose of marriage in mind? Has he stopped growing yet? It is hard to imagine Justin at his age becoming a father. If they truly are meant for each other, why not wait a few more years. Has he finished high school? Next in the family to court next year: Jordyn and Josie. I hope it works out for them. Sad, in a way, exciting in a way. I was expecting one of the older non-married siblings to enter a courtship first. Almost thought it was a ruse on the part of TLC and the Duggars when they teased at the end of the last show. Again, all the best.
ReplyDeletePoor Jana. No husband this year. But she did get a greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteGood for her, no childeren to raise, freedom and no money problems
DeleteGood for her
DeleteWell, this tidbit rated a headline in People magazine, no doubt other tabloids. My opinion of this family continues to shrink. IMO, this is nothing more than exploiting the "courtship" of a couple of teenagers. The money must be very good. How about these two just continue to get to know each other, away from the ever-present chaperones? If they still are serious in at least 5 years, then announce to the world their intentions. That these parents on both sides approve of this is beyond ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteIt’s his Dad’s family business. He’s got to pay the bills somehow. And with more and more adult kids depending on him, he needs to be making that money.
DeleteWas it ridiculous sixty or seventy years ago no,but young people were a lot more mature by then and guess what so are fundamental families,they don't have typical fun loving,immature kids like most people,and even regular people can be mature my cousin married at twenty and at forty is still married,in love and happy.
DeleteBeyond ridiculous exactly, it’s one thing to allow your teenagers to date but courting with the intention of marriage in the very near future at their age is just wrong.
Delete"God brought Claire along right when I needed her" - exactly what "need" does a 17 year old (would have been 16 last year at this time) have for a girl, let alone a courtship? That is a really strange statement of his. This is what happens when you're not allowed to date, you're only allowed to court.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he meant with his Grandma's passing...
DeleteInstead of dating like normal young people, the Duggars get married.
DeleteI think that people often say that God brought someone who they "needed" when God brought them a new friendship or companion during a lonely or difficult time. Maybe that's what Justin meant?
DeleteHis youth and inexperience show in the words he chose. What he probably meant is, my hormones woke up when we met and now I think I want to marry her. Let's see if this relationship gets as far as marriage....we've seen another young courtship end without advancing.
DeleteMost 16 year olds have boyfriends/girlfriends that they have sexual relations with. They are just courting, it’s basically the same as dating, just with the intent to marry and higher standards. Me and my husband started dating when we were 16, got married at 18, and we’ve been married for 22 years. Getting married young is not for everyone, but when you know, you know, I get tired of people saying it’s too you to get married, back in the old days, people would get married at 16! It’s not easy, but if both people work at it, it can be very rewarding!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! You knew who and what you wanted out of life. I know lots of people like you. Ignore all the people who are confused and working out what they want.
DeleteYou got married 2 years after you started dating, a Duggar probably won’t wait that long.
DeleteI guess people prefer 16 year olds dating and sleeping around. I too married when I was 17. Happily married 14 years later. But you are right that doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. Justin knows the word of God and that certainly will make for a smoother marriage.
DeleteI agree with you.
DeleteLet your kids grow up and be independent, make their choices and their mistakes or they will never learn
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree. Age doesn’t mark adulthood; independence does.
Deletewow, was not expecting that. i still think Jana and Nathan Bates could be together because in the most recent Counting On episode, Jana and John and Abbie never said why they went to Knoxville and Nathan has not announced who he is courting. also Jana seemed very evasive when responding to all the questions about her relationship status. i hope she is dating someone!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people know the girl that Nathan is dating, it’s not Jana
Delete5:17 I think there could be more possibilities coming. You are right, we don't know who Nathan is seeing. There have been pictures of James that hint that he may at least be looking.
DeletePlease stop speculating about Jana. She is not dating. Let her be
DeleteShe seems evasive a lot, actually. I just don't think she likes being interviewed.
DeleteHow do you know Nathan is dating someone? And how do you get a hint that James is looking from a photo? You all throw this stuff out here but never back it up with any facts! Lol
DeleteSo the families have known each other for 20 years; but Justin just met Claire a year ago??? How could that be? I don’t know what I hope for them; but, she definitely looks older/more mature than he. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing. How did he "meet" her if the family has known the Spivey family for 20 years?
DeleteWow, they are so young...
ReplyDeleteMarjorie Jackson, Josiah’s first girlfriend, was only 17 when she and Josiah were courting.
ReplyDeleteMichelle and JimBob were 17 and 19 when they got married if I remember.
Delete6:19 Unfortunately, that courtship did not last. Hopefully, Justin and Claire do not suffer the same fate.
DeleteNow that Justin & Claire, have announced the news of their courtship, to the media, it will be interesting to find out, how they both handle, the scrutiny, of both the media, and the Duggar fan base.
DeleteLook how that turned out though...
DeleteYes. That didn't work out because Marjorie realized she wasn't ready to get married and have babies.
DeleteMy mom dad & I can't wait to hear the Justin's & Claire's courtship announcement & see the engagement & wedding & honeymoon hopefully the engagement on next season of counting on? Natasha b
ReplyDeleteSlow down
DeleteWait a minute, someone's personal life shouldn't be rushed so it can fit in a filming season for TV audiences!
Delete6.51 hopefully an engagement and wedding? Please, he is 17 years old!
DeleteI don’t know how old you are Natasha but don’t you think this young couple are way too young to be even entertaining thoughts of marriage ? Justin isn’t even 18 yet & was only 16 when he met this girl. In any other walk of life if a boy that age was to suggest marrying his girlfriend he would be told by his parents (& no doubt hers) in no uncertain terms that it wasn’t happening, & yet the Duggar’s & their other church friends condone such behaviour. I feel it’s very wrong to be settling on your life partner at 16, especially as they don’t believe in divorce so anyone entering into marriage needs to be very sure about it. I for one do not wish to see an engagement & wedding on the next series. Hopefully if they are genuinely in love they will wait a few years until they are both in their early 20s before marrying.
DeleteYou’re getting ahead of yourself with the engagement, wedding and honeymoon. Let them enjoy their courtship.
DeleteGeez slow down there tiger
DeleteI’m happy for them. They can get married after Covid and have it televised. Meanwhile they should just live together and get to know each other that way
DeleteAwwww, I wanted it to be Jana and Nathan (Bates). but congrats Justin, but he is young....too young. Kids at 17 can barely figure out what they want to do for a career and what they need to study at college to get there, never mind pick out a spouse that they want to spend the rest of their lives with.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteSo they started seeing each other even last year when Justin was like 16? Then the engagement will be coming very soon. Do Duggars do Winter weddings? December can have all Xmasy theme.
ReplyDeleteAwww 😊!!!! I think that is so amazing. Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉🍾 to you all.
ReplyDeleteGood for them! They seem mature and obviously ready by their standards. I'm happy for them!
ReplyDeleteSo they have been already courting for some time?
ReplyDeleteThis episode, was filmed around April/May, so I would guess, that Justin, and Claire, have been in a courtship, since around April/May.
DeleteApparently and now think they're ready to move toward marriage. Why would a 17 year old think he needs to get married at such a young age?
DeleteWhile this is young even by Duggar standards, it is legal to marry at age 18. While most 18-yr-olds are not ready for marriage, I would expect that if anyone can make it work, one of the Duggar young adult children could. Wishing the young couple all the best.
ReplyDeleteSigh 😔. The brain isn’t even fully developed at those ages. WHY so young in a courtship??
ReplyDeleteHe even didn't get proper schooling so he'll never be able to be independent from his parents...
DeleteThis saddens me to see these young people jump into a relationship and then frequently on to marriage so quickly and at such a young age. They are setting themselves up for failure if they don’t give themselves time to mature and grow in wisdom. I hope they will take lots of time before they move on to an engagement and marriage.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8.53. Here here I couldn’t agree with you more, very well said.
DeleteNone of their marriages has failed, yet!
DeleteI agree. I remember Josiah's failed relationship when the girl realized she wanted to DO a few things other than be married and have an endless stream of babies.
Delete7:29 - There has been one Duggar marriage that had Bibical justification for divorce. At least one Duggar has failed to keep his vows.
Delete@7:29 I wouldn't exactly call Josh & Anna's marriage a shining success story. In fact, "failure" really fit for awhile.
DeleteJust because a couple isn’t divorced doesn’t mean their marriage isn’t a failure. You can remain married and it be an absolute failure.
DeleteOther than the obvious Josh situation, the rest of them seem to have very happy marriages. I don't think any of them will look back and say, "I wish we'd been married fewer years "
Delete7:29 - I think Josh and Anna’s marriage is an example of what happens when you get married young and to the first person that comes along. I think Josh ended up cheating because he missed out on dating, which is sad because he could’ve just dated before marriage instead of resorting to cheating on his wife.
DeleteWe don't know what happened behind the scenes as the couples had to adjust to each other. I'm sure it wasn't all rosy. Trying to get to know someone and becoming pregnant on the honeymoon like some did. That's a lot of adjustment. Cause they were never allowed to be alone until marriage.
DeleteI’m not going to say that it’s a bad thing that someone is happy and in love, but I can’t help but think that this is not a good idea. Being so young, it is a long shot that this will work out and we’ve all seen what this family goes through when a courtship fails. Imagine going through a breakup on national television. I really thought it was James. He HAS to have something going on with Lauren. And I think they would be adorable together.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of a job does 17 yr old Justin have to support a wife and the children that will follow (likely within 12-14 months of marriage as the Duggars don't believe in birth control)? Duggars don't court long, as a rule. Michelle and Jim Bob don't believe in long courtships, as they've stated.
ReplyDeleteFor the Duggar’s typically within 9 months of marriage
DeleteHe’ll work for his father.
DeleteJim Bob will give him a job. Justin won't have to obtain an education or training, or apply or interview. Also, he and his new wife will be seen on the show and that will bring in money too.
DeleteRemember Claire is not a Duggar.....she may have different thought and beliefs on birth control. Let's see where it goes.
DeleteCongrats Justin and Claire! Now everyone can get off Jana's back that it is her. And I hope noone gets on Jedediah,Jeremiah,Jason,and James for still being single. I remember Justin from when the Duggar family did their first special 14 Kids and Pregnant Again in 2004 as a little toddler. Now he is all grown up.🙂 Not happy though that Justin chose a girl 1 year older than him. I was mad several years ago when I found out Ben was 2 years younger than Jessa AFTER the fact they they got married. Even back then before the scandal happened the Duggar family was falling away from tradition of a boy being the same age or older than the girl in order to court and marry and now it sounds like they are ok with their children courting right before graduating High School in their Senior year. But at least Ben and Jessa are still married. After I found out the age difference, I was afraid they would get a divorce after while. Mainly it was because I had seen to many married couples like them get a divorce due to the younger husband being not very mature like his older wife and the wife "wearing the pants" (being the main provider financially) in the family. But they are nothing like that thankfully. So good luck Justin and Claire. Hope to see a picture of you two very soon. Haley P. from Colorado
ReplyDeleteWhy would a couple divorce because the wife was the main earner?
DeleteReally? You were afraid of a Duggar woman being the main provider financially :-D ?
DeleteAnon 9.31. What age difference ? A couple of years is hardly an age difference between Ben & Jessa. My son is 24 & his girlfriend is 27 & they get on just fine as he is very mature for his age.
DeleteI agree, a husband should be older than his wife. He is the leader and head of the house in Gods vision.
Delete@9:31-Jessa certainly does wear the “pants” in her family! HER reality show is the main source of income! Ben does not work any other jobs!
DeleteFirst, Duggars don't get divorced no matter what. If you didn't believe that before, watching what Anna had to endure should have sealed that idea.
DeleteSecond, a year or two in age doesn't make that much difference. There is nothing written in stone that the man has to be older than the woman. That's a throwback to when women used to die in childbirth and a man would find a second wife who was still young enough to be able to bear children. Children were needed to keep family farms and business running and to ensure that land was kept in the family. (Sound familiar?)
I know a couple where the wife was older than her husband, but they are still happy married and have the sweetest marriage.😊 I believe couples ( where the wife is older than the husband) can have happy marriages. It just depends on the individual's character.
DeleteThose 4 unmarried J boys need to join the military. This family needs to stop waving the flag so hard if they aren't going to defend it too. They have no reason not to serve and are of draft age.
Delete9:31- I am 3 years older than my husband. We’ve been married for thirty years and I’ve never given any thought to the age difference. You’ve got some antiquated ideas.
DeleteAnonymous 9:23 that's exactly what happened in my Grandmother's family.
DeleteSo many negative comments... it may sound young to most of us, but there are plenty of people who marry a high school sweetheart right out of school and have a happy, lasting marriage.
ReplyDeleteHe's too young to decide that she's "the one" when he's never experienced being in a relationship with anyone else. Plus an adult dating a child, okay wonder how that'll work out.
ReplyDeleteGoodness people! They are courting not getting married. Maybe they plan on a long courtship and engagement. Some of these comments are unbelievable. You really think they care what you guys think? . They are probably laughing at them.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Justin and Claire!
Duggars don’t do long courtships or engagements.
DeleteCongrats to Justin and Claire! I don’t think they are too young! People are ready when they are ready; some court young, some court when they are older. No one’s worth should be defined whether or not they are married or in a romantic relationship, - I really hate that women and maybe Jana may feel this way after all the questions and seeing her younger siblings in relationships! I believe Justin and Claire would have prayed and sought wise counsel and after all that trusted God that they were making the right decision even whilst anticipating all the hate comments coming through on their young age. I’d like to offer them some encouragement and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHe s 17 years old, in my eyes just a kid. I m afraid he will be married in a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteOh so Michelle and Jim Bob lowered the courting age?... 1. She looks a little older (those cool though), 2. Maybe they will have a year long courtship like Jessa & Ben.
ReplyDeleteWhy does a husband have to be older than the whife? Ben and Jessa are very happy together. Jessa said in an interview they had to wait a few years to get married. Ben was probably 17 when they met and fell in love.
ReplyDeleteMichelle has told the whole world she knew Jim Bob was the one for her when she was just 16, married at 17. The children have allways seen their parents marriage as a beautiful example. They' re not married, it's a courtship.
Y’all have got to understand. These kids were not raised like the modern generation, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Their family dynamic is more like the early 1900s where many were married before they were 16 or 17 and most had long successful marriages. Children back then also helped out with their siblings and didn’t act entitled like many do today. Ben was only 18 when he and Jessa began courting, Joy was 18 and married at 19 and they seem to be a lot happier than most couples who marry at 30. I realize this is not a good idea for most young people today. I really wonder about the people who are judging them so harshly. I’m interested to see what their kids are like.
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem with this courting system: it gives a teen romance such a seriousness that you end up feeling almost compelled to get married. Just call it normal friendship until the two of them grow up. You shouldn't even broach it, then there is no pressure.
ReplyDelete@5:37- absolutely on point! Thank you for wording such obvious logical thinking! If only the Duggars would read it!
DeleteJust for another point of view—
ReplyDeleteI have two friends. They met at ages 17 and 16 and were married at ages 18 and 17. They have now been married for 12 years and have 7 children—2 biological and 5 adopted. The husband owns a very successful business, and they are very happy.
It’s possible.
I know the Duggars have created an image that courtship and babies are all that’s worth talking about, but just remember that Justin is still an individual and might have very successful results with his life. I hope so, anyway.
Congratulations Justin and Claire hope it all works out for both of you.
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone think this is ok? He's a 17 year old boy and she's what all of 19. I know the Duggars push their kids to get married young, but this is crazy. Some people here have posted that its only courting and compared it to dating, but we know that they don't believe in casual dating. Which at their age they both should be doing. With Justin it's probably just hormones or a desire to get out of the big house. For Jim Bob a way to make money, or to try and keep a dying show on the air.
ReplyDeleteDuggar #14? You couldn't be bothered to use his name or find a picture of him with anyone but his sister?
ReplyDeleteI just feel like there is so much we don't know and the timelines are created for TV. Like knowing each other longer or maybe even being engaged by now. Didn't this event really happen in March? If they were arranged/started talking earlier then the public backlash would be immense. The family does not share everything and does not share in real time. We have no idea what assets, skills or education that Justin has. Maybe nothing but maybe he has something. Sidenote: it's like with Jessa, she was co-author of a book with her sisters. I suspect that is her dowry and security net to guarantee her and her family will always have food.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone should choose their life partner as a teen. But that doesn't mean no one should. As one commenter said, "when you know, you know," and that happens at many ages. Some great, long marriages have been between couples who married in their teens.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... interesting. Have they read the biblical advice to wait until passed the "bloom of youth" until you begin courting? That is pretty solid advice found in
ReplyDelete1Corinthians 7:36...maybe JB can work that one into their bible reading. Waiting even just a few years will give you more time to "rejoice in your youth" Eccl.11:9. And you'll have more time to develop your personality and more importantly your spirituality (Lamentations 3:27).
9:52, excellent post!
DeleteSo this will be the season finale? Introducing Claire? OK. Guess they can have some specials when they get engaged and of course the wedding.
ReplyDeleteI love how they look so comfortable with each other
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on? Are the continual new babies not enough to keep interest going for the show to stay on TLC, so now a 17-year-old boy is allowed to court and get married?
ReplyDeleteShame on the parents for condoning this, they are entirely too young. Their brains haven't even the closest finish developing yet. I just pray that God puts an end to this before it's too late and both of these young people get trapped in a situation they're not mentally ready for yet.
ReplyDeleteI think we all tend to forget that normal teenagers date and fall in love all the time, so on the surface this isn't out of the ordinary. It's a normal developmental step. The difference here is that there are a lot more limitations and norms that essentially make marriage the one and only target, and usually they don't want to wait long because they want to remain pure and that is VERY hard with 17/18 yo hormones! Other commenters are right that their brains are still developing and it does put a lot of pressure on Justin to finish schooling and get a well paying job to ensure he can support a wife and the family that's soon to result. Most kids this age would have college to work through first (at least in part) or other career/financial goals that would postpone marriage for at least a year or two, but here the focus seems to be the maintaining of the purity (not that it isn't noble, but it's not necessarily the best basis for marriage) and getting a quick start on adulthood. While they say, "If you know, you know," most of us know that the people we are at 17 aren't who we are years later, and if you start this early, you better be hoping and praying you figure out how to grow up together. Hopefully they'll have a courtship similar to Jessa and Ben that lasts a bit longer than usual so they have a little more time to mature. I'm happy for them but it does make me a bit nervous.
ReplyDeleteMany people fall in love while in high school and then marry later on in life. I think it's great that Justin is so deeply in love with a girl, and they seem to both be happy. If they show the announcement this season, it means they've announced it in real life a while ago, so now they have been courting for a few months and Justin might be proposing soon? I remember how Jill's courtship was announced in Spring, while she was courting since November, and then couple of days later they announced her engagement as well. It would be interesting to see how Duggars will handle a wedding during quarantine. Will they wait till next Spring or will just do it now, like in December or so?
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on with Justin that he thinks he needed to be in a committed relationship at age 16? Most boys that age are interested in girls, but usually want to date a LOT of different girls, not just settle into marriage.
ReplyDelete@2:18 “Most” boys that age are allowed to at least kiss their girlfriends! Remember, marriage is the only option for this crew to have any physical relationship!!!
DeleteFunny how a young couple like this is slammed for being in a relationship hopefully heading towards marriage soon, but most viewers would consider it totally normal and acceptable for young people this age to have had numerous boyfriend/girlfriends, slept around and have gone through a couple breakups.
ReplyDeleteRight? Our cultural norms aren't always best.
DeleteWhy do you assume that anyone who is critical of these teenage courtships also promotes sleeping around or living lives of complete debaucery? My own son married his high school sweetheart, but they earned their college degrees and established their careers
Deletebeforehand. I dated quite a few different guys before I met my husband. I'm not sorry I did that, either. It gave me some perspective on relationships and character qualities that were important to me. I'm certainly glad I didn't marry the guy I thought I was so madly in love with when I was 17!
I was so surprised it was Justin! I thought it would be Jason
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Claire and Justin. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteJoan,Marion and Marilyn
Hello, it's a free country. If, they want to court at 17, it's their decision.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, my parents dated each other from the age of 14 and 15 and married at 17 and 18. They are still happily married 35 years later.
They were discouraged by everyone they knew and told to date around first and wait a few years.
They are the only ones from their peer group (who did date around and married later), who are still married.
Statistically, teen marriages have higher divorce rates.
DeleteYour parents dated for 3 years! The Duggars don’t date for years, that’s the difference.
DeleteThere are exceptions to every story
DeleteHe does't even no her! They are dating he found the 1? Really let's get real. Fixed marriage we are not from the old courty has prearranged marriage's are we? So this mean's marriage by spring baby due winter of 2022. So sad. Go to collge have fun.
ReplyDeleteGet real? This is very real to them. We don't have to agree with their choices, but they aren't our choices to make. There is no arranged marriage here, either.
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