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

Many years ago, Jim Bob and Michelle caught the attention of TV producers who were drawn to the spectacle of this nice, young-ish couple.

Lotta those out there, sure. But Jim Bob and Michelle had 14 kids, more on the way, and no plans for how to make it all work.

Yet they make it work they did, and while their lifestyle was wildly different than the kind of existence that most of us can relate to, the family’s reality show became a big hit.

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

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

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

Jim Bob and Michelle are downright obsessed with rules, and 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 and the eldest kids like Jana Duggar approach their late thirties.

Some recent developments – including a shocking accusations of abuse – have led to even more increased scrutiny.

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