Michelle Obama couldn’t stand husband Barack for 10 years – how they made it work as former president turns 62 years old

MICHELLE Obama hasn’t shied away from revealing the turbulent times between her and former President Barack, as their marriage wasn’t always full of bliss.

Michelle said she “couldn’t stand” her husband for over a third of their relationship, but now they are stronger than ever.

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Last year, the former first lady spoke all about the full extent of her and Barack’s marital troubles, People reported.

“People think I’m being catty by saying this — it’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” Michelle said.

“And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.

“For ten years while we’re trying to build our careers, and you know, worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, ‘Ugh, this isn’t even.’ And guess what? Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever, ever.

“There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, 40, but guess what? Ten years – we’ve been married 30. I would take ten bad years over 30 – it’s just how you look at it.”

The Harvard Law graduate added that being out of the White House “sure helps” the couple’s relationship.

When asked about the pair’s troubles and triumphs, the former president didn’t deny that there were hard times and was quick to praise his wife for her dedication to their marriage and children .

“Let me just say this: It sure helps to be out of the White House. And to have a little more time with her,” Barack said.

“Michelle – when our girls were growing up, that was priority number one, two, three, and four.

“And so, I did not fully appreciate, I think, as engaged of a father as I was, the degree of stress and tension for her, knowing that not just me and Michelle were under scrutiny and in this strange environment, but that we were raising our daughters in a kind of situation that just wasn’t normal.

“Now that they’re doing good, she is a little more forgiving of all my flaws,” he added.

“What she’s told me is, you know, ‘Looking back, you did okay as a dad.’ And if I passed that test, then she’ll forgive me most of my other foibles.”

The couple, who met back in 1989 and married in 1992, have never been shy about sharing their struggles, especially the strife they experienced living in the White House.

Michelle said, “The White House tests you in ways that you never anticipated,” The Hill reported.

The Obamas relationship timeline

• 1989: Michelle and Barack meet at their Chicago law firm
• 1991: After dating for a couple of years, the couple got engaged at Gordon’s restaurant in Chicago
• 1992: The pair got married at Trinity United Church of Christ
• 1998: The Obamas welcomed their first child, Malia
• 2001: The family continued to grow as Michelle gave birth to Natasha
• 2004: Barack and Michelle’s relationship is put under the spotlight as Barack gets elected to the US Senate
• 2008: Barack Obama becomes President of the United States, with Michelle as the First Lady
• 2012: Barack is re-elected
• 2017: The Obamas leave the White House permanently as Donald Trump takes office
• 2017: The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary
• 2022: The couple revealed their official portraits at the White House

“And the fact that we came out as a family, as individuals, the four of us, me and our two daughters — that was us,” the mother of two added.

“That was our values, our compassion, our smarts, our strategy, that got us through.”

Michelle also noted one major personality difference between the two.

She said her husband always wants to solve issues rationally, whereas she can be quite “hot-headed.”

“Don’t come to me with sense — I’m angry! Don’t come to me with your three bullet points — you better get out of here and let me cool down!” she shared.

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BACK IN THE GAME

Although Barack Obama may not be in the White House anymore, he has remained active in the political scene .

The former president recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election .

“We called to say Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Barack said on the phone with Harris, the Associated Press reported.

He posted on X, announcing his endorsement to the public.

“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris,” the former president wrote.

“We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support.”

Michelle also shared her public support of the 59-year-old candidate.

“I’m so proud of my girl, Kamala,” she said.

“Barack and I are so excited to endorse her as the Democratic nominee because of her positivity, sense of humor, and ability to bring light and hope to people all across the country.

“We’ve got your back.”