‘Counting On’: Family Followers Think Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson’s Marriage Went Sour The Second She Walked Down the Aisle

Lauren Swanson and Josiah Duggar are among the most talked-about Duggar couples. Throughout their two-year marriage, rumors have swirled that the duo was strong-armed into a relationship by their parents. Footage from Counting On has led many family followers to believe that, even if they weren’t forced into their marriage, they are still not compatible. Toxic behavior and a dash of resentment seem evident, and it looks like those feelings may have begun to brew as Lauren walked down the aisle.

Were Lauren Swanson and Josiah Duggar forced into marriage?

Shortly after tying the knot, rumors began to swirl that Josiah’s marriage to Lauren was arranged by Jim Bob Duggar and Dwain Swanson, Lauren’s father. A reported insider who spoke with The Hollywood Gossip, claimed Josiah was forced into marriage because Jim Bob felt he was too defiant. His reported disobedient actions included having an unapproved Facebook page.

The source told the publication that Josiah may have agreed to the marriage in order to keep the money coming.  Josiah is entirely dependent on Jim Bob for money, and reportedly, Jim Bob likes it that way. Derick Dillard, who married Jill Duggar in 2014, has claimed that Jim Bob has prevented his sons and sons-in-law from getting jobs outside the family. He is also allegedly the only Duggar to have a contract for the family’s show.

Why do family followers think the couple doesn’t like each other?

Even if Josiah and Lauren were not persuaded into marriage by their parents, family critics don’t believe the couple likes each other. Aside from a total lack of chemistry, they don’t seem to have much in common. The couple also appears to engage in some toxic behavior. During an episode of Counting On, Lauren walked off when she and Josiah couldn’t complete a communication exercise during a marriage retreat. Later on, she refused to come downstairs to recite vows during the same retreat.

Family followers were quick to point out that Lauren’s behavior might be passive-aggressive, and Josiah’s response did little to ease the tension. Compared to the other couple’s on the same retreat, Lauren and Josiah appeared ill-suited to one another.

Lauren seemingly resents the fact that Josiah didn’t cry at their wedding

While Jessa Duggar insisted that Josiah and Lauren’s wedding was her absolute favorite, fans are completely unconvinced that the wedding was a happy one. Lauren, in particular, seemed a bit annoyed with one aspect of her wedding day. She seemed bothered by the fact that Josiah didn’t cry when he saw his bride for the first time. The lack of emotion bothered Lauren so much that she even felt the need to mention it in a later sit down interview.        

Lauren’s singular obsession with that moment, and Josiah’s lack of emotion, has led some family critics to think their union was doomed the second Lauren stepped down the aisle. Could the marriage eventually implode? The Duggar family doesn’t believe in divorce, but it’s entirely possible that the family’s media brand is in danger. If the family’s TV show ends and their income dries up, it’s likely that a few of the Duggar kids could walk away. Family critics think Josiah would be the first one to do it.