14 DAY TRIAL // In late 2013, the Duggars proudly announced that their 21-year-old daughter Jessa had entered a very chaste courtship with 18-year-old Ben Seewald. TLC has now confirmed that the courtship (and the engagement) will be featured on the new season of the family reality show, 19 Kids & Counting.
Jessa is Michelle and Bob Duggar’s third daughter.
While in the courtship phase with Ben, she was not allowed to kiss or hug him (except for the occasional “side hug”), or to hold hands with him. They always had chaperones with them on dates and all their interactions through modern means of communication was screened.
The two are now engaged, and TLC is proud to announce in a press release to Radar Online that they are now allowed slightly more physical contact. Moreover, since “they’re dating with the intent to marry,” Ben will be put through the paces by the other Duggar boys.
“The Duggar boys put Ben to the test, making sure he’s ready to take care of their sister. Later, the tables are turned when Jessa visits Ben’s hometown and gets hit with some serious questions during a double date with Ben’s parents,” the network announces.
The new season of 19 Kids & Counting, one of the biggest hits from the network, premieres in April.