It’s been just over a month since the world learned that John David Duggar and Abbie Burnett are engaged.
And in that time, the couple has faced far greater scrutiny than any previous Duggar couple.
The reason for that, of course, is that John David and Abbie break “the courtship rules” so frequently (and openly) that it often seems they’re not bound by the same strictures that his siblings were forced to abide by.
And now, the young lovebirds have posted a pic that’s being interpreted as proof that they’ve made their own rules and couldn’t care less about Jim Bob’s commandments …
The Happy Couple
John David began courting much later in life than any of his male siblings, but it looks as though his patience has truly paid off.
Wasting No Time
He and Abbie moved fast once they found each other, and John David popped the question after just a few weeks of dating.
Hands On
From the start of their relationship, John David and Abbie appeared to be less skittish about physical contact than their predecessors.
Bold Move
In fact, they rather brazenly violated his family’s arcane rules about premarital physical contact.
The Rules
If you’re a fan of the Duggar clan, then you’re probably already aware that Jim Bob and Michelle’s offspring are forbidden to engage just about any form of physical contact prior to marriage.
The Origins
Many of the rules prohibiting “front-hugs” and dictating how long unmarried couples are permitted to hold hands are culled from the teachings of the Duggars’ church, but others were invented by Jim Bob and Michelle themselves.
The Front-Hug Bandits
John David and Abbie posted a pair of photos online recently, and as innocent as they look, fans went wild and accused the couple of throwing the courtship rules out the window entirely.
Let ‘Em Hug!
“So happy to see front hugs!” wrote another commenter, who’s clearly not a fan of the Duggars ultra-strict courtship policies.
The Dreaded Front Hug
It was this shot in particular that really got fans riled up. Needless to say, Duggar obsessives are quite easily riled.
The Interrogation Begins
“Cute. But looks like that’s a front hug. No side hugging for you guys?” wrote one concerned follower.
A Divisive Issue
Obviously, Duggar fans are split on this matter, with a surprising number stating that they wish John David and Abbie had abided by his parents’ rules.
The Rebels
This, of course, is not the first time that John David and Abbie have been accused of violating the rules of courtship.
Church-Skippers
In addition to their public displays of affection, John David and Abbie have been accused of skipping his family’s church services and disregarding many of his parents’ teachings.
An Insurrection!
This is all part of a wider rebellion among Jim Bob and Michelle’s kids that seems to have started with Jinger Duggar’s decision to begin wearing pants in public.
Rebel With a Cause?
In casting off the floor-length skirts of her childhood, Jinger was doing more than just violating the family dress code — she was sending a message to her siblings.
Message Received
Soon, her married sisters (single Duggar women are still bound by Jim Bob and Michelle’s rules) were following in Jinger’s footsteps and brazenly violating the infamous dress code in public.
Full-Scale Mutiny
On the men’s side, more rebellious Duggars like Josiah showed similar disdain for Jim Bob and Michelle’s rules by — gasp! — going on unchaperoned dates.
The Parentals
The powers that be have thus far been quiet on the subject, but sources say Jim Bob and Michelle are less than thrilled about their children’s willful ways.
The Newest Rebel
So it could be that John David and Abbie are getting away with it all because Jim Bob and Michelle have bigger fish to fry. Or, things might really come to a head once Ms. Burnett really becomes a Duggar. We can’t wait to see!