In reality, Claire Spivey and Justin Duggar have actually been courting for much longer than fans realized. Although they only went public two months before confirming their engagement, Spivey actually noted in her Instagram post sharing the news that they'd been courting for 14 months. Likewise, when one fan asked, "I'm not curious, I'm suspicious. He's just 18, and they've only been 'dating' for a few months. How would one come up with enough $$ to afford that ring in such a short period of time?" The 19-year-old Texan was quick to set the record straight, responding, "It was not necessarily a short period of time. From the beginning of our courtship, to engagement, [it] was 14 months."

She explained further, "When you wisely manage your finances over the years (not just during a courtship) you can afford purchases debt free by the legal 'adult' age of 18. And since you're not curious but suspicious as if he's earned his money unlawfully, he hasn't." This revelation means the teenage couple was dating for more than eight months before going public which, under the Duggar rules, doesn't necessarily make sense. Parents Jim Bob and Michelle require dates to be chaperoned, including during phone calls and online communications. However, Spivey clarified, "We announced to the family for official documentation in May!!" She added, "So it was 14 months, we just kept 8 of them quiet."