Fans of the hit TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting" know that the household follows a set of strict dating rules imposed by their parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, but not everyone knows that aside from the chaperoned dates and the no-holding hands rules, the kids also have to allow their parents to read all their text messages.
In an interview with E! Online, soon-to-be bride Jessa and her pregnant sister Jill discussed the dating do's and don'ts in the Duggar household.
First, the Duggar kids should CC their parents on all text messages. Yes, even the older kids should allow Jim Bob and Michelle to check on their text conversations. They will only lift the texting rules once the child gets married.
Then, there is the chaperoned dates rule. Viewers of the reality show have already known this part from the start. Jim Bob explained that this rule could help keep "things from going in the wrong direction." According to Jill and Jessa, they agree with the importance of this rule, because they feel that they could be in "moral danger" if they are left alone with men.
Duggar girls also have to follow a strict dress code, prohibiting them from exposing their shoulders, thighs, and cleavage.
Also, the sister shared the "no chest-to-chest contact" with the opposite sex unless they are married. Jill had her first kiss with her husband Derick Dillard during their wedding day and that is because of this rule. It simply means that no physical contact except for the side hug is allowed during a couple's courtship period to avoid any temptations.
Another way to prevent any sexual temptations is to avoid reading romance or erotic novels. As a devout Christian, the family is strictly against "gratifying the pleasure of the flesh." That is why the family only reads Christian texts.
The family is also not allowed to go to the beach, because the boys will be put in the midst of too much temptation.
However, Michelle told her girls that once they are married, they should always be intimate with their husband.
"Anyone can fix him lunch, but only one person can meet that physical need of love," the mother of the 19 Duggar kids explained. "You always need to be available when he calls," she reminded her daughters.
The Duggar parents also forbid their kids to drink any type of alcoholic beverages. This seems to suit the girls, who had an accidental sip of spiked punch before. According to Jessa, the taste of the alcoholic drink is disgusting.
Other forbidden things inside the Duggar household include celebrating the Halloween and dancing to modern music.
These rules may be a little too much for the average household, but both Jill and Jessa, as well as the rest of the Duggar children, agree that these are all for their own good.
Jill had been recently married to Derick, and the couple is already expecting their first child sometime in March. Meanwhile, Jessa is scheduled to marry her fiancé Ben Seewald on Nov. 1.
