Michelle Obama Speaks Out on Divorce Rumors and Her Life Choices

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Michelle Obama is tired of people jumping to conclusions.

Michelle Obama, who has been with Barack Obama for 32 years and served as the former first lady of the United States, addressed recent speculation about a potential divorce and shared insights on personal choices she’s made since departing the White House in 2017.

Michelle mentioned on the April 9 episode of the Work in Progress with Sophia Bush podcast that an intriguing observation she made is that when she says “no,” many people respond, “I understand, and I’m fine with it.” As women, she believes we often find ourselves wrestling with the idea of letting others down. In fact, this year, her decisions were so unexpected to some people that they assumed her marriage was ending without any actual confirmation.

The 61-year-old said, “It seems unlikely that a mature woman is merely making her own choices, doesn’t it? Yet society often leads us to question ourselves. We finally begin to wonder, ‘What am I doing here? Whom exactly am I serving?’ If our actions don’t conform to the expected stereotypes, then they’re often labeled as something unfavorable and unacceptable.

In a chat with Sophia Bush, Michelle (mother of Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with Barack) discussed the thought process behind making significant life choices as she enters her seventies.

If not now, when? What am I waiting for? How will I spend the next two decades?” She thought to herself. “Now is the time for me to start reflecting on who I truly want to be each day.

As I delve deeper into this endeavor, I can’t help but wonder, what does my journey manifest as? Well, it seems to morph into whatever shape suits me best. Despite my commitment, I manage to continue giving speeches, maintaining a presence in the world, and working diligently on projects.

In response to Barack Obama’s recent disclosure of intimate details about their marriage, the author of “Becoming” offers additional thoughts, discussing how consecutive presidencies affected their relationship.

At a gathering on April 3rd, which was a part of Hamilton College’s Sacerdote Series, the former president confided to President Steven Tepper, “I found myself in quite a financial predicament with my spouse. Therefore, I have been making an effort to climb out of this rut by occasionally engaging in enjoyable activities.

Keep reading for more couples whose romances have lasted decades…

In Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s 2020 book ‘What Makes a Marriage Last’, Hermann expressed that he never anticipated experiencing so much laughter in his marriage. He emphasized that this consistent pursuit of joy is a significant aspect of who he is. “Your willingness to find joy, even amidst disagreements, is what has kept our marriage strong,” Hermann conveyed about his 16-year partnership. He further mentioned that the enduring factor in their relationship is that he knows she loves him for who he truly is, and that embodies the essence of grace.

During their journey together, even after heated arguments, one of them would break the tension with a joke about the very subject they were arguing over. Hermann explained that it’s like one of them says, ‘I may not admit I was wrong or continue to insist I was entirely right, but can we at least start moving back towards the place where we found joy together?’ Once they manage to do this, it usually indicates that things are on their way to being resolved.

They managed to sidestep any significant home renovations by adhering to the guidance they received during pre-marriage counseling before their 2003 wedding. Even with five children, regular Tuesday date nights are essential for them and they’ve chosen not to buy a TV, opting for alternative ways to stay connected instead.

If asked for advice, Chip would suggest chasing the one you love relentlessly, like a persistent wasp. After more than two decades together, he still feels like the eager suitor hoping for another date. “I’m not saying she’d ever be unfaithful,” he clarified, “but it won’t be due to me not expressing my love or not sending flowers or forgetting our anniversary.

Bacon playfully warned against seeking advice from celebrities regarding relationships. Instead, they prefer to resolve disagreements swiftly and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the conflict. As he put it in an interview with Thomas and Donahue, “We don’t enjoy arguments, so when we do find ourselves in one, we’re both seeking a resolution. Our goal is to quickly return our relationship to a peaceful state because fights are unpleasant.” Essentially, they believe there’s no alternative to making their relationship work.

After more than three decades of marriage, the actors have become skilled at having respectful disagreements. As the former star of Family Ties put it, “Tracy and I don’t pry at old wounds.” Some couples might see their partner’s weaknesses and feel compelled to attack them, almost as if it were a game. We avoid that behavior.”

“At times, you simply have to tell yourself, ‘You know what? He said something hurtful without realizing it, but I believe he’s a good person, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t mean to upset me.’

In a conversation on Today in December 2024, Curtis expressed that the director of Waiting for Guffman continues to make him laugh more than any other person. This was stated as they approached their 40th wedding anniversary, and he humorously added, “I’m certain there must be something about me that he appreciates. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m confident there’s something.

Over the course of many years, what has likely kept us connected is our shared view that relationships are essentially intangible or indescribable. As portrayed by the actor-turned-chef Burtka during his 18-year career (his cookbook “Life Is a Party” was published in 2019), parenthood to 10-year-old twins Gideon and Harper, and navigating various life challenges, Harris explained that marriage doesn’t remain static. “Marriage is always changing,” he said.

He went on to explain that as you continue to share intimate moments with the same person, familiarity can lead to monotony. To counteract this, you must experiment and try new things. However, there may come a time when you don’t feel fond of each other or attracted to one another. In such instances, it becomes crucial to find ways to rediscover your attraction – but in fresh, new ways because you both are aging.

Ultimately, Harris shared that this process involves becoming increasingly drawn to their partner’s soul. And then, over time, their physical appearance again. He concluded by acknowledging that these feelings continue to evolve and transform, creating a unique and ongoing cycle of falling in love with each other differently, over and over.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I often observe how comedic personalities attribute their humor to extending their existence, not just in their long-lasting relationships but in every shared moment. The Can You Ever Forgive Me? actress once remarked, “When we have a hearty laugh, especially one that’s outrageous and leaves you almost lightheaded – ‘Oh my goodness!’ – we always quantify its duration as if it adds to our lives. I’m always tallying it up. I’ll think, ‘That was like half a year – I just gained six more months of life!'”

They also set time constraints on disagreements. Falcone, in her wisdom, noted, “I’ve attempted the don’t go to bed angry rule, only to realize that by morning, I had forgotten the reason for my anger. Arguing when everyone is tired and possibly under the influence is futile. I’ve never encountered a situation where an argument at ten o’clock in the evening ended with us saying, ‘Well, that was productive. We resolved our differences. Truce signed.’

In 1995, they were both married before meeting each other and became step-parents to four children together. The actor from “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” explained that he understood quickly that the kids already had mothers and questioned what his role should be. He realized that everyone needs a supporter, someone who cheers them on, rather than setting boundaries or teaching right from wrong, as their parents did. The actor from “Cheers” wholeheartedly agreed with this approach, stating it was wise to offer friendship instead of discipline and judgment, and simply be there for the step-children.

On December 21, 2005, the same day same-sex civil unions became legal in Britain, music legend Elton John and Canadian advertising executive David Furnish officially joined hands in a ceremony. They repeated this on the same date nine years later when they were allowed to legally marry. However, it’s not their wedding anniversary they celebrate; instead, they mark the surprising encounter at a dinner party in John’s Windsor, England flat back in 1993, which was arranged by a mutual friend.

Every Saturday, regardless of where they are in the world, whether together or apart, these two write a handwritten letter to each other. Over the years, they have exchanged approximately 1,352 such letters. As Furnish puts it, “There’s something very spiritual and real about handwriting,” and these cards offer them an opportunity to reflect on the past week and discuss the upcoming one. The five-time Grammy winner, John, concurs, stating that “Communication is crucial for a lasting relationship.

In their eyes, maintaining their 35-year-long marriage has been crucial throughout all life changes. They emphasize that this bond is a top priority and make conscious efforts to keep it at the forefront. As she put it, “We prioritize our union and realign when we lose focus.” If asked for advice by a surgeon, he would advise placing that bond above everything else, stating emphatically, “I’d go to any length for her – climb mountains, take bullets, even if it angers me at times. But I’d never let anything prevent me from expressing my love.” If you understand the importance of marriage for long-term happiness, he added, “You will always protect it.

ABC News reporter Roberts is not usually fond of casual conversation. She shared, “I dislike small talk.” In essence, she dislikes calls that are just to check-in with a simple “What’s up?” She expressed this sentiment. However, her favorite TV weatherman is quite the phone enthusiast. After enduring years of his frequent calls, a friend suggested something that shifted her perspective.

A friend once said to her, “Have you ever considered that perhaps he feels at ease when he hears your voice because it reassures him everything is okay?” She pondered over this and realized, “That’s quite thoughtful. I never thought about it in that light. If it means something to him, then it should mean something to me.”

Now, she admitted, “I have learned to take a moment and say, ‘Sweetie, I’ve got some things happening, but what’s new with you? That’s great. It’s wonderful to hear from you. I need to go now. Talk to you later. Love you.’ This small gesture means the world to him, and it doesn’t take much effort for me to be kind and affectionate for a couple of minutes.” They commemorated their 25th anniversary in September.

The foundation for their 25-year long marriage started during their early married life, where even minor disagreements, such as a time when the actor from Riverdale tossed the talk show host’s ring out the window, seemed like they could potentially end their union. As the LIVE With Kelly and Ryan star explained, “In the beginning of a marriage, it’s easy to magnify small issues, whether it’s financial troubles, career stress, or exhaustion from raising children.” He continued, “But Mark taught me the importance of stepping back and taking a break to assess situations. He showed me that not every disagreement is a deal-breaker.”

Clearly, they have learned valuable lessons over the years, but those experiences have paid off. As he stated, “When you see a couple who appear genuinely happy, chances are they’ve been through some tough times and managed to persevere. That’s something to be proud of.

She described herself as an introvert, bordering on a solitary individual; he, on the other hand, was labeled as the quintessential extrovert, often referred to as “the mayor of everywhere.” She admitted to being somewhat untidy, while he was considered meticulous, almost OCD-like in nature. They’ve been married since 2003 and have learned to accommodate each other’s habits.

The lead actress from How to Get Away With Murder offers this advice to her soon-to-be-wed friends: “Marriage doesn’t begin when you walk down the aisle; it starts when you look at your partner, someone you love more than anything, and see a trait that annoys or frustrates you. You think, ‘This will drive me crazy,’ but then you realize, ‘I love him.’ That’s when your marriage truly begins.

In any relationship, letting arguments linger until you reach 50 years together isn’t wise. As the star of Grace and Frankie pointed out, “Typically, I’m the one who extends an apology. It’s easy because my love for her prevents me from wanting her to feel lonely for even five minutes.”

A more effective approach is to avoid apologizing altogether to the writer. Her main advice was this: “When you’re upset with your partner and say something hurtful, remember that you’ll later regret having said such words to the person you cherish. You’ll feel angry not once, but twice. This isn’t beneficial for your blood pressure, and it certainly isn’t healthy for your relationship.

In a twist that aligns perfectly with his public image, former New York State Supreme Court judge Jerry often defers decisions to his wife, echoing the approach taken by the famed Judge Judy. However, for his partner, it’s less about celebrating her victories and more about accepting that not every decision will be to her liking. Their 12-year marriage ended in 1990 due to Jerry’s inability to provide the care she needed after her father’s passing. Remarrying just a year later, she was under no illusions that he would suddenly transform into a household manager or birthday planner.

“Each relationship is unique,” she simply stated, “but there’s a shared theme of discontent, and that discontent often stems from trying to change someone into someone they’re not. You can try, but they’ll always resent it.” She advised against marrying anyone with the expectation of altering their fundamental nature.

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2025-04-09 15:48