Jessa Duggar, the third daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, is apparently off the market.
The 20-year-old has entered a courtship with 18-year-old Ben Seewald, according to People Magazine. The couple's relationship will be featured on the family's TLC show "19 Kids & Counting."
"We are so excited for Ben and Jessa," Jim Bob said. "They are enjoying getting to know each other and are recommending sermons to one another."
People reported Jim Bob has given Seewald his stamp of approval.
"He's the first one she has shown interest in that has a spiritual focus and legitimate calling about ministry work," Jim Bob said.
According to Jim Bob, there's a difference between dating and courting.
"Courting is getting to know each other in a group setting, both families spending time together and the couple setting goals together to determine If they are meant to marry," Jim Bob said. "With dating, a couple will often pair off alone and that sometimes leads to a more physical relationship."
Mama Duggar also added that courting is a serious process, where a couple puts deep consideration into the idea of starting a family together.
"Courtship is not just about having fun," she told People. "You are really considering if this person could be your life partner. You pray about it and see what happens."
Due to the Duggar's strong Christian beliefs, they strongly feel a couple should wait until the wedding to have their first kiss.
"Dad allowed them to do a side hug when they were officially courting," Michelle said. "They agreed that would be the only contact they should have."
When the two met, they asked their parents for permission to correspond via text and on the phone. The parents agreed, although, the couple has some privacy both parents are part of the duo's conversation.
Jessa and three of her sisters, Jana, Jill and Jinger, have just completed the book "Growing Up Duggar", to be released next year, about their relationships, including their thoughts about boys and what goes into deciding who and when to marry.
"It is sweet as a mom to watch Jessa go through this," Michelle told People. "She's always been the organizer in our family unit and right now she is a little distracted. She and Ben are open to encourage others who may be considering relationships that you can stay morally pure and wait for the one God has for you and then on your wedding day, begin the physical aspects of your relationship."
"19 Kids & Counting" returns Tuesday at 9 p.m.
