Duggar Courtship Rules: Which Couples Followed Them ... And Who Refused?

For a family that's famous for its dedication to reproduction, the Duggars have very strict rules about male-female relations.

The Duggars first caught the attention of TV producers because who were drawn to the spectacle of a nice young-ish couple.

Lots of those out there, sure. But Jim Bob and Michelle had 14 kids, more on the way, and no plans for how to ... anything.

Yet they made it work, and while their lifestyle was clearly very different than most of us can relate to, it became a big hit.

Faith, family and frugality were the central tenets of Jim Bob and company, and soon enough, an empire was growing.

But as time went on, more Duggars entered the world, and their show became more popular, more eyebrows were raised.

Viewers and producers alike realized that the Duggars' belief system was even more unusual than the sheer size of the clan.

Jim Bob and Michelle are downright obsessed with rules, and the Duggar courtship guidelines are the strictest of them all.

But as you're about to find out, they're also the toughest to enforce. Especially nowadays as the young ones grow up.

Keep reading for a complete breakdown of how each Duggar duo responded to the stringent edicts governing their sex lives.

1. Falling In Line?

Of all the strange customs practiced by the Duggar clan, the courtship rules are among the most bizarre. They're also among the most controversial, even within the family.

2. Starting Early

The courtship rules have been a part of life in Jim Bob and Michelle's brood from the very beginning. And the kids are introduced to them at a very young age.

3. Sneaker Heads

The conditioning starts long before Duggar kids reach dating age. One commonly cited example of this is the practice of shouting, "Nike!" when a "provocatively-dressed" woman is spotted in public. This is done as a sign for the boys to avert their eyes by looking at their shoes.