JimBob and Michelle Duggar claim to have a fairytale marriage. The couple, whomet while in high school, were married before Michelle turned 18 years old.Since their wedding day in 1984, the couple has built a media empire, welcomed19 children, and are rapidly adding grandchildren to their tribe. While thecouple insists that they have a happy, healthy partnership, there is someevidence to the contrary. So, are Jim Bob and Michelle as happilymarried as they claim?
A body language expert is concerned by Michelle’s subservience
RadarOnline sat down with a body language expert in 2018 to analyzethe relationship between Jim Bob and Michelle. The expert pointed out a few criticalproblems with the way Michelle and Jim Bob interact. First, she notes that Michelle’sbody language indicates that she is entirely subservient to Jim Bob and regularlylooks to him for approval. She also notes that the fake voice suggests arresteddevelopment. For Jim Bob’s part, the expert notes he often talks over Michelleand doesn’t appear to respect her, based on his behavior and body language.
The expert’s analysis seems spot-on, based on what fansknow of the couple. Jim Bob has always been a bit of a camera hog, and Michelleis incredibly eager to please. Back in 2012, she received a makeover, and hermain concern was whether or not Jim Bob would like it. She noted that she wantsto keep herhair in a fashion that is pleasing to Jim Bob. The statement concerned somefans.
Michelle’s advice to make oneself “joyfully available” is problematic
Michelle shocked fans when she once wrote that a womanshould make herself “joyfullyavailable” to her husband. In short, she believes that the secret to ahealthy, happy marriage is being available for intimacy whenever the husbandwants it, regardless of how the wife might be feeling.
Michelle and Jim Bob’s daughter, Jill Duggar, offeredsimilar advice in a blog post that shocked fans. Jill suggested that marriedcouples should prioritizeintimacy between four and five times per week. The Duggar kids are notallowed to be alone with a member of the opposite sex before getting married,so hearing Michelle and Jill speak so openly about it shocked many followers.
There is a problem with the advice both Michelle and Jilldull out, though. Neither is considering the needs of individual people. Bothwomen make the assumption that all men are sex-crazedand that all women must simply go along with it. The thought pattern can createserious resentment and feelings of inequality, which can’t possibly lead to ahappy marriage in the long run.
The pair will never divorce, though
While JimBob and Michelle may not be as happily married as they claim, the odds ofthem ever parting ways are slim. The religious sect that the family belongs toshuns couples who choose to divorce, for any reason. Within the IBLP,divorce is not considered acceptable under any circumstances, but RecoveringGrace alleges a member of the sect may use separation as a way to stepaway.
Even if Michelle wanted to step away from her marriage,would it be feasible for her? Based on what DerickDillard has said, Jim Bob holds the purse strings in the family. With no discernible skills outside the home,Michelle would have a nearly impossible time trying to make it on her own.Frankly, it would appear the mother of 19 doesn’t even think that’s an option,or at the very least, she seems happy enough to stick it out.
Source: Read Full Article