The former first family, the Obamas, have projected close family ties since Barack became president in 2008. However, during an interview to promote the recent release of her book, Michelle Obama revealed there was an extended period when family ties were severely strained.
From our family to yours, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with happiness, light, and joy! 🎄
As we get ready to wrap up this year and look to the next, let’s remember to reflect on our blessings and channel them into giving back and being kind to those around us. pic.twitter.com/dpgfdXzUGc
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 25, 2022
While discussing her book, “The Light We Carry,” Michelle said there was a period of about 10 years when she “couldn’t stand” her husband.Â
Reportedly, this was when their two children were young.
Her and I have something in common… there is an 8 yr period I could not stand her husband either!!!
Michelle Obama says she 'couldn't stand' Barack for 10 yearshttps://t.co/tTGtfh0nR1— Randy Pflueger (@rdpflueger) December 28, 2022
During the interview, Michelle said: “People think I’m being catty for saying this: it’s like, there were ten years where I couldn’t stand my husband. And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.”
When the Obamas moved into the White House, Barack and Michelle’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, were 7 and 10 years old. Michelle indicated that the stress and scrutiny associated with being the first family took a toll.Â
Noting the challenge of balancing family responsibilities, Michelle said: “For 10 years, while we’re trying to build our careers and worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, ‘Argh, this isn’t even!'”Â
Michelle continued: “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 10 bad years over 30 — it’s just how you look at it. People give up — ‘Five years; I can’t take it.'”
Michelle noted that through the ups and downs, she has always respected her husband, saying, “Do you like him? I mean…could [you] be mad at him?”
The former first lady added: “[I] look at him and go, ‘I’m not happy with you, but I respect you. I don’t agree with you, but you’re still a kind, smart person.'”Â
A Fox News report noted that the Obamas met at a law firm in Chicago in 1989. After leaving the White House in 2016, the Obamas landed lucrative book and network consulting contracts.Â
A “joint deal in 2017 for their memoirs was estimated to be worth $65 million,” according to Fox.Â
A contract with Netflix is reportedly valued at approximately $50 million.Â
“The Light We Carry,” Michelle Obama’s second book, was published in November.Â
