Michelle and Barack Obama are often idealized as the ultimate powerhouse couple in politics.
But as picture-perfect as The Obamas are for the cameras, not everything is as airbrushed and glossy behind the scenes. Like most marriages, the famous couple faced several hardships amid their 32 years together, proving that as much as they’ve accomplished, they’re still human after all.
What issues did the couple face, and how have they managed to get over their hurdles stronger than ever before?
The Obamas’ Marriage Struggled During Barack’s Presidency
Their marriage took a turn for the worse during the couple’s years spent in The White House. Michelle and Barack Obama’s marriage was put to the test when the 44th President of the United States took on what is arguably the most stressful job in the world.
While it’s often stated you should prioritize your spouse first and foremost, Barack Obama was one of the few exceptions to this rule, since he had an entire country to take care of most of all. Understandably, Barack and Michelle’s marriage saw a huge shift compared to their earlier days, back when the fate of the nation didn’t rest on the president’s shoulders.
Barack recalled the turmoil their marriage faced in his memoir, writing, “There were nights when, lying next to Michelle in the dark, I’d think about those days when everything between us felt lighter, when her smile was more constant and our love less encumbered… and my heart would suddenly tighten at the thought that those days might not return.”
Barack and Michelle Obama Have Gotten Through Their Relationship Struggles
Fortunately, Barack and Michelle Obama have been able to overcome their marriage hurdles, and are now coming out of the tense period stronger than ever before. Both the former President of the United States and First Lady have emphasized the importance of fighting through the hard times, no matter how much you want to give up. Because at the end of the day, couples are bound to face obstacles, especially after 32 years together. That’s practically inevitable. The question is, how are you going to resolve those issues so you can come out of it stronger than ever?
“People aren’t perfect. Marriage is hard. It’s a struggle for everyone,” Michelle Obama revealed on her podcast (per Stylist). “You’ve got to know that there are going to be long periods of time when you can’t stand each other. I said it on the book tour as a joke – there were times that I wanted to push Barack out of the window.”
She continued, adding, “And I say that because it’s like, you’ve got to know the feelings will be intense. But that doesn’t mean you quit. These periods can last a long time – they can last years. But we don’t talk about that, so young couples, they face these challenges and they’re ready to give up because they think they’re broken.”
Michelle added that if she and Barack would’ve given up just because of a measly conflict or two, they would’ve split up ages ago. “And I just want to say, look, if that breaks a marriage, then Barack and I have been broken off and on, throughout our marriage, but we have a very strong marriage. And if I had given up on it, if I had walked away from it, in those tough times, then I would’ve missed all the beauty that was there as well.”
It seems as though the couple is still going strong, and we for one couldn’t be happier for them.
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