Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals How Barack Obama “Failed” Her as a Friend

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Not everyone can call up President Barack Obama for dating advice.

Tracee Ellis Ross, a former star of “Blackish”, is fortunate to have a special bond with the Obamas. Interestingly, she shared that the Obamas are not shy about offering advice on her love life-with one notable exception: they refrained from giving their input during a particularly significant moment in her romantic history.

During her August 14 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tracee shared that she had ended a relationship. She recounted an encounter with a former president who said, “I could have warned you about that.” To which she responded, “You should have been a better friend to me then!

She added, “In other words, it was your responsibility to prevent it earlier, wasn’t it? Essentially, put a stop to it at the source.

However, she acknowledged seeking their counsel on dating matters, but there’s one thing she hasn’t requested from her friend – the ex-First Lady.

She confessed, “Michelle has never arranged anything for me, which I now realize might have been a mistake on my part, and I should definitely take care of that.

Michelle and Barack, the proud parents of Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24 (Obama), have previously faced the challenge of maintaining a relationship under public scrutiny. Even when recent gossip and speculation about their union sparked controversy earlier this year, they gracefully rose above it all.

In simpler terms, even though Michelle wasn’t physically with her long-term husband for a while, it didn’t necessarily imply that they had separated or ended their relationship.

Michelle revealed 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,” most people respond with understanding and accept it, saying something like, “I understand, and I’m fine.” As women, Michelle believes we often have a hard time disappointing others to the point where this year, people found it difficult to comprehend that she was making a personal choice, and they assumed her marriage was ending.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I often ponder about how our choices may seem to others. “Surely this isn’t just an ordinary woman charting her own path?” I find myself questioning sometimes. The truth is, societal norms tend to have a profound impact on us. Initially, we begin to question ourselves, asking, ‘Am I on the right track? Am I living for myself or others?’ If our actions deviate from the expected norms and do not align with society’s stereotypes, they are often perceived negatively and even harshly criticized.

After that, the duo have been taking things lightly despite all the commotion. When Barack graced Michelle’s podcast named “IMO” in July, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, he made a light-hearted comment, “She decided to give me another chance. It was quite uncertain for a while.

To which Michelle fired back, “Now don’t start.”

For more celebrity couples who have stood the test of time, read on.

In Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s 2020 book “What Makes a Marriage Last,” Hermann articulated that he hadn’t anticipated experiencing this level of laughter in his marriage. He mentioned that humor is an essential part of your character, your persistent pursuit of joy. He added that what maintains their long-term union is the knowledge that he is loved for who he is, and that embodies grace. In other words, finding happiness is crucial, even following intense arguments. As Hermann put it, “One of us will try to lighten the mood with a joke-about the very subject we were disagreeing over.” It’s as if one says, “I’m not admitting fault, and I’m not conceding that I was completely in the wrong, but can we at least start moving towards the point where we connect again?” Once that happens, it’s usually a good indication that things are on the mend.

By adhering to the same guidance given during their premarital counseling in 2003, they managed to bypass significant renovation needs. Despite having five children, weekly Tuesday dates remain essential, and they abstain from buying a TV, preferring alternative means of bonding instead.

If asked for advice, Chip would suggest pursuing the one you love relentlessly, like a determined hornet. After over two decades together, he still feels like the anxious suitor eager for a second date. He emphasized that infidelity is unlikely in their relationship because he consistently expresses his love, sends flowers, and never forgets special occasions.

Firstly, my suggestion would be not to rely on celebrities for advice,” Bacon jokingly commented about his long-lasting union. In fact, they have a common saying, ‘Keep disagreements respectful and the intimate moments passionate,’ which was coined to put an end to discussions about their marriage.

To be honest, they try not to prolong arguments, as winning isn’t something they typically aim for. “To tell you the truth,” The Closer actress explained to Thomas and Donahue, “when we do have a disagreement, both of us are looking for a resolution.” Mostly, they strive to return their relationship to its peaceful state because, as she added, “There is no alternative plan. No matter what, we want to find a solution.

After more than three decades of marriage, the actors have perfected the technique of having fair disputes. “Tracy and I don’t dig at each other’s wounds,” the former star of ‘Family Ties’ explained. “In some marriages, people find their partner’s weakness and attack it relentlessly, as if it were a game or competition. We avoid doing that.”

“At times, you have to remind yourself, ‘You know what? He said something insensitive and it made me feel uncomfortable. But I believe he didn’t mean to hurt my feelings because he’s essentially a good person, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.’

In a conversation on Today in December 2024, Curtis shared, “No one makes me laugh as much as the director of Waiting for Guffman. I’ve been married to him for 40 years soon, and I’m guessing there must be something about me that he appreciates, even if I can’t quite put my finger on it.

In his own words, the actor-turned-chef Burtka shared that what has kept his relationship strong for many years is their shared view that relationships are something difficult to define precisely. Throughout 21 years of career changes, raising twins Gideon and Harper, facing challenges together, he acknowledged that marriage doesn’t stay the same. Over time, the excitement of repeated intimacy can become routine, leading them to try new things. However, there may come a point when they don’t feel attracted to each other, and they must learn to rediscover their attraction – though in a different way due to aging. As time goes on, he explained, they find themselves becoming more drawn to each other’s soul. Then, once again, their physical attraction returns. In essence, their love for each other keeps evolving in various ways over the years.

In a humorous manner, these comedic performers believe their humor extends their existence, not only in their 19-year marriage but also in daily life. As the actress from “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” explained, they attribute a certain period of time to every good laugh, especially the outrageous ones that leave them nearly dizzy. She often calculates these moments, stating something like, “That was equivalent to two more months of life!”

They also set a time limit on disagreements. Falcone, for instance, stated that he tried the well-known advice not to go to bed angry once, but found that by morning, he had forgotten what he was upset about. He added that it’s counterproductive to analyze an argument when everyone is tired and possibly under the influence of alcohol. Instead, he shared that he’d never experienced a situation where an evening argument led to a meaningful resolution, such as saying, “That was productive. We resolved our differences. Truce signed.

In 1995, both individuals were already married and became step-parents to each other’s respective children. The actor from “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” explained, upon reflection, that he recognized the importance of being a supportive friend rather than a disciplinarian. He noted, “I understood that they already had a mother, and it wasn’t me. So, what role was I to play?” This realization led him to embrace his role as a cheerleader, offering companionship and support without setting boundaries or attempting to teach right from wrong, as their parents were responsible for that aspect. The actor from “Cheers” wholeheartedly agreed with this approach, stressing the importance of being a friend who offers companionship and support rather than judgement.

On December 21st, 2005, the same day same-sex civil unions became legal in Britain, music legend Elton John and Canadian advertising executive David Furnish tied the knot in a ceremony. They repeated this union on the same date nine years later when they were finally able to legally marry. However, their significant anniversary is not their wedding day but rather their unexpected encounter at a dinner party in 1993 at Elton’s flat in Windsor, England, where one of his friends curated the guest list.

Every Saturday, no matter their location, these two write each other a handwritten letter. According to them, they have exchanged around 1,352 such letters over the years. As Furnish states, “There’s something very spiritual and real about handwriting,” and these letters provide an opportunity to ponder on the past week and discuss the coming one. The five-time Grammy winner concurs, “Effective communication is vital for a lasting relationship.

For them, their 40-year-long marriage has always been a top priority and they make sure to keep it strong despite changes in life. As she put it, they prioritize and refocus when needed. If the surgeon could give one piece of advice, it would be to cherish this bond above all else. He emphasized that he’d go to great lengths for her, even facing anger, as long as he can show his love. And if you value your long-term happiness through marriage, he added, you won’t let anyone interfere with it.

As an ardent fan, I can relate to ABC News reporter Roberts’ unique communication style. She isn’t fond of casual check-ins, stating, “I don’t take kindly to the check-in. If you’re calling just to catch up and ask, ‘So, what’s new?’ well, I’m not a big fan of that.” Nevertheless, our beloved weather forecaster is quite the phone enthusiast. After years of growing weary of his frequent calls, a friend offered a perspective that shifted my viewpoint.

“One day, a friend suggested, ‘Have you ever considered that perhaps he finds comfort in hearing your voice because it signals everything’s okay for him?'” she shared. “I thought, ‘That’s quite heartwarming. I hadn’t seen it from his perspective before. If it matters to him, then shouldn’t it matter to me as well?'”

Now, she admits, “I’ve learned to pause and respond with, ‘Hey Sweetie, I’m swamped right now, but how about you? Great, I’m glad we connected. Gotta run. Talk soon. Love you.’ This simple gesture brings him immense joy, and it barely takes two minutes out of my day to be kind and affectionate.” They marked their 29th anniversary in September 2024.

The foundations for their 30-year long marriage were established in the early days of their wedded life. Any argument, such as when Mark, the Riverdale actor, tossed Kelly’s talk show host’s ring out the window, seemed like it could be the end. “In the beginning of a marriage, small issues can escalate quickly – whether due to financial pressures, career struggles, or sleep-deprivation from having children,” shared Kelly on LIVE With Kelly and Ryan. “But Mark taught me to step away and take a moment. This helps you realize that it’s not a make-or-break moment for the marriage.”

Indeed, this wisdom has proven valuable, and now they are enjoying its benefits as parents of three. “When you see a couple who appear genuinely content, they’ve weathered some intense storms together and have emerged victorious,” he added. “That’s something to be proud of.

She described herself as more of a solitary person rather than a complete recluse; he, on the other hand, is incredibly sociable, referring to himself as “the mayor of everywhere”. She admitted to being somewhat disorganized while he leans towards being meticulous, as observed by the Oscar laureate. However, since they tied the knot in 2003, they’ve grown accustomed to giving each other space.

This is the guidance the leading actress of “How to Get Away With Murder” offers her soon-to-be-wed friends. “Marriage doesn’t commence when you walk down the aisle,” she divulged. “Your marriage begins when you gaze at someone you adore more than anything, and there’s something about him-a particular trait-that makes you think, ‘Wow, that will drive me crazy. I don’t know if I can handle this.’ And then the next instant, you say, ‘But you know what? I love him.’ That’s when your marriage truly starts.

In a long-lasting partnership, allowing disagreements to persist isn’t a wise move. Jane Fonda, from Grace and Frankie, stated that when there’s a conflict, she usually apologizes because her love for her partner makes it difficult for her to bear the idea of her partner feeling lonely for even five minutes.

An even more effective approach is to avoid needing to apologize to your partner altogether. Fonda’s main advice was this: “Keep in mind that when you’re angry at your partner and say something hurtful, you’ll likely regret it later for having said harmful words to the person you love. You’ll feel angry with yourself twice over. This isn’t beneficial for your health and definitely not for your relationship.

Jerry, a former New York State Supreme Court judge and husband of Judge Judy, often lets her have her way in their long-lasting relationship because she enjoys the freedom to make decisions. However, she acknowledges that not everyone will agree with every decision made. Their marriage ended in 1990 due to Jerry’s inability to provide the care she needed following her father’s death, but they reconciled and remarried a year later. She understood then that he would not become a household manager or take charge of planning events.

Reflecting on their relationship, Judge Judy said that every partnership is unique, but one constant factor causing dissatisfaction is the attempt to change someone into something they are not. Trying may work, but it will only lead to resentment. Therefore, she advises against marrying anyone with the expectation of changing them fundamentally.

A former student, who got married in 1993, revealed to TopMob News in April 2025 that he would be adrift without his long-term companion. He expressed gratitude for her support as he travels the world and takes on various jobs, saying she has been instrumental in maintaining their family’s stability and a source of great strength for him.

Referring to her as an “extremely understanding person,” the actor expressed that his wife and their two sons always manage to keep him “humbled, regardless of any circumstances.

“They shape my values,” he added. “It’s great to have that perspective and North Star.”

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2025-08-15 19:47