Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama recently opened up about the early days of her relationship with Barack Obama, highlighting the importance of emotional support over financial stability in a partnership.
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of the IMO podcast, which she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson, Michelle candidly reflected on the challenges they faced before Barack became a household name.
When Robinson asked, “Would you be attracted to a guy who’s not financially sound when you meet him?” Michelle responded with a laugh, “Uh, I married one.”
She went on to explain that while dating Barack, she left her corporate law firm and took professional risks, but he always reassured her. “I had somebody who was like, ‘I got your back. The risks you think you’re taking, they aren’t that crazy, and I’m here to help you.’”
For Michelle, that kind of support was more valuable than a high income. “I would rather have that in a partner than a higher salary. I wanted someone ready to go through hard things with me,” she said, adding that she, in turn, had to be willing to do the same for him.
She also cautioned women against focusing too much on superficial qualities when choosing a partner. “Some women are not looking deep enough. You just gotta get out there, meet people, and come to them with your truth,” she advised.
This isn’t the first time Michelle has reminisced about their early relationship. Back in 2008, she told ABC News that when they first met at a law firm, she initially dismissed the idea of dating Barack. “After about a month, he asked me out, and I thought, ‘No way, this is completely tacky.’”
