Abby Howard, a popular podcaster and influencer, has recently shared insights into her experience of abstaining from sex until marriage, offering advice for newlyweds on her podcast “Always Here.” Speaking during a recent episode broadcasted on 3rd April, the mother-to-be reflected on the significance of waiting until her wedding night to engage in sexual intimacy, describing the occasion as “wholesome and sweet.”
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Howard, who married her childhood sweetheart, Matt Howard, in 2019, has been vocal about her beliefs surrounding relationships and intimacy. Both at the ages of 20 and 21, they chose to wait until their wedding day to consummate their marriage. In her podcast, Abby highlighted how societal narratives often paint negative pictures of waiting for sex, stating, “There is so much messaging that is so negative toward waiting ‘til the night… it’s going to be so awkward, it’s going to be so embarrassing.” However, she firmly disagrees with this portrayal, saying, “I just think that’s not true, at least in our experience.”
During the podcast, Abby recounted her and Matt’s experience as one filled with joy and tenderness. “I feel like, at this point, there’s certainly excitement about something new, but it’s not like you’re going to be necessarily nervous ‘cause you are with your person,” she explained to her co-host and sister-in-law, Abigail Howard. She emphasised the comfort of being with someone you deeply know, contrasting it with the potential awkwardness of casual encounters.
The couple’s wedding night, according to Abby, was not marked by the clichés often depicted in films but was instead “intimate and special.” She noted that the experience was “never once awkward,” insisting that while it may not unfold as dramatically as portrayed in movies, the emotional connection makes it significant. “In a way it will [be romantic], but it doesn’t look like the movies because it’s so intimate and special,” Abby stated.
The Howards’ love story began in earnest during their middle school years when they met at a theatre camp. After years of friendship and ultimately dating, they decided to tie the knot during their sophomore year at Missouri State University. Their journey as a couple has been marked by transparency and openness, particularly regarding their family life.
Abby and Matt are parents to two young sons, Griffin, aged three, and August, aged two, and are currently expecting their fourth child. They announced the news of their latest pregnancy in March, expressing immense gratitude at the prospect of welcoming another life into their family. The announcement followed a poignant period in their lives when they experienced a pregnancy loss, which Abby candidly discussed on social media last September.
In the heartfelt post about their loss, the couple shared the devastating news that their baby girl, whom they had named Emerson Nicole, had passed away due to a genetic condition. “The news felt unimaginable,” they wrote, conveying the depth of their grief while also expressing gratitude for their time together as a family. “Hope has continued to show up for us in so many ways,” they added, indicating that while they mourned, they remained optimistic about the future.
The Howards’ reflections on love, marriage, and family have resonated with many, particularly with couples navigating similar challenges. Abby’s reassurances about the beauty of waiting until marriage to engage in sexual intimacy provide hope for individuals who may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations. Her story serves not only as a celebration of her own experiences but also as an encouragement for others to find joy in their own journeys.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of parenthood and their relationship, the Howards exemplify a loving partnership built on shared values and mutual respect. With their latest pregnancy announcement, fans and followers alike are eager to see the next chapter of their inspiring family story unfold.