October 3 marks Barack and Michelle Obama’s 27th wedding anniversary and the two have lots to reflect on. From their humble beginnings as Harvard Law students to heading to the oval office and becoming the United States’ first Black president and first lady, the Obamas have accomplished a lot as a power couple. In reflection of their more than two-decade marriage, here are five lessons the former first couple taught us about love and relationships.
Life-Changing Moments Can Happen Unexpectedly
Michelle and Barack met while Michelle was assigned as his mentor at the law firm Sidley Austin LLP. But a month into the new role, Barack asked out Michelle, who promptly turned him down. “I thought, ‘No way. This is completely tacky,'” she recalled to ABC News. Still, she wound up taking him up on a date and the rest is history.
The Beauty in Being Selfless
During his emotional farewell address in Chicago, Barack explained that his wife of what was 25 years at the time stepped into the first lady job when she didn’t have to. “You took on a role you didn’t ask for. And you made it your own with grace and with grit and with style, and good humor,” he said to enthusiastic applause. “You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You have made me proud, and you have made the country proud.”
Some Competition Is a Good Thing
While making the rounds to promote her memoir “Becoming,” Michelle admitted that her hubby was “a little jealous that I am done” adding that he was “proud” but there was some “hateration” in the home. “We have a healthy rivalry,” she explained. “It’s all about love. He’s truly the writer. I’m more the storyteller. For me, I wanted this book to read like a story.”
The Solution to Keep Squabbles at Bay
Discussing his bride on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” during his last year in office, Barack explained why he and Michelle don’t argue too much. “After about 15 years I finally figured out that she’s always right,” he said. “So then, surprisingly we just stopped fighting after that.”
Boosting Up Each Other’s Strengths
Barack and Michelle Obama know where each other thrives. During a joint interview with ABC’s “20/20,” Michelle explained how she knew running for political office was not for her. “I have learned from my husband … that it does require a great deal of patience to really feel the full impact of the work that you do on the ground. It doesn’t happen right away.”
“And she has a bigger difficulty biting her tongue,” Barack adds.
“I think I’ve done pretty well at that,” Michelle counters. “I have opinions, I have views.”
“Not bad,” Barack replies. “She’s got a few views.”
