‘Counting On’ Star Josiah Duggar Rebels Against Jim Bob’s Strict Courting Rules

Counting On star Josiah Duggar announced late last month that he is courting Lauren Swanson, and since then he has been posting pictures of his new love non-stop, and in one of his recent photos, it looks like he is breaking a major courting rule. Did Duggar and Swanson spend some time together without a chaperone?
The 21-year-old shared a pic of him and Swanson having a FaceTime date, and there was no chaperone in sight – which is a huge no-no in the Duggar dating world.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have extremely strict courting rules, including no hugs, no hand holding, no kissing, and definitely no unchaperoned dates. The Duggar parents also monitor all phone calls and texts between courting couples, so there is no chance for any inappropriate behavior.
So now, fans have a lot of questions when it comes to Josiah’s recent pic – since no one else seems to be around while they chat – and they want to know if he and his 19-year-old girlfriend are breaking the rules.
The two have been inseparable since they started dating in January and have shared a ton of pics on social media, including some of them enjoying their recent vacation to Australia and New Zealand. And, some of those photos showed Duggar and Swanson getting up close and personal with each other.
During their visit to Waiouru Army Museum, the young couple was extremely touchy-feely, and during certain moments, their faces were within kissing distance. Duggar even placed his hands on Swanson’s waist at one point, and for the Duggars, that is quite scandalous.
Courtships are a big deal in the Duggar house, so it is most likely that the next season of Counting On will feature Josiah’s new relationship since it is looking like it could lead to an engagement.
The other couples that will be a big part of season seven are Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth, Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald, Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo, and Kendra Caldwell and Joseph Duggar. In addition to Josiah’s courtship, this year will also be filled with new babies, since Jinger, Joy-Anna, and Kendra are all expecting.
Jill Duggar and her husband, Derick Dillard, will not be on the show this time around. TLC fired Dillard after his transphobic comments on Twitter against fellow reality star Jazz Jennings. And, as a sign of solidarity, Jill decided to stick by his side and not return to the popular reality show.
Fans will get their chance to see more of the Duggar family – and meet Josiah Duggar’s new lady love – when the upcoming season of Counting On premieres on Monday, February 26th on TLC.