The Bible tells the story of a Shulammite girl and a shepherd boy who were engaged. Their courtship was impeccably chaste and moral. Yet, they evidently did exchange some displays of affection before they married. (Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 8:5)

Consider what happened when the Shulammite girl’s shepherd lover invited her on a romantic walk. His motives were innocent enough; he simply wanted to enjoy the beauties of spring with her. Even so, the Shulammite girl’s older brothers ‘grew angry with her.’ Not that they didn’t trust the couple. But they well knew the temptations that could arise if the couple were allowed to be alone in a romantic setting. The solution? The older brothers broke up the couple’s romantic plans and gave their sister a demanding job that would keep her busy.​—Song of Solomon 1:6; 2:8-15.