Touching, Hugging, and Kissing, Oh My! Inside Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson’s Courtship

Even the most casual Duggar fan knows that there are strict rules when it comes to courting — and it looks like Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson just broke those rules. The Counting On star was caught holding hands, hugging, and possibly kissing his girlfriend. These are all huge no-nos if you’re apart of the strict religious family. So, needless to say, this is quite the scandal.

The couple was visiting the Waiouru Army Museum in New Zealand when they decided to get a bit handsy with each other. They were spotted being quite touchy-feely and their faces were within kissing distance of each other at certain moments. Josiah even placed his hands on her waist… he was helping her down from climbing a tank, but still. Scandalous!

Josiah posted the above photo from their trip to New Zealand. He wrote, “I’m really enjoying the beauty in New Zealand. ? Oh, and the landscape is pretty nice too I guess. ?” Plus, did you peep Lauren’s non-floor-length skirt?

Josiah, 21, and Lauren, 18, first announced their courtship earlier this year. “We are overjoyed to begin this new phase of our lives together,” he told People. “Through the years our families’ friendship has allowed us to get to know one another as friends. I can definitely say I have found a great friend… even better than I could have hoped for or imagined. I so appreciate Lauren’s Christlike character and tender heart toward others. She bring sunshine into the room and encourages everyone around her. It’s always stood out to me that in every situation, she looks for the one who appears to be sad or lonely and quickly can brighten their day by sharing words of hope, an encouraging scripture, a prayer or even a simple smile with them.”

Watch the video below to learn more about Josiah and Lauren’s courtship!