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Barack and Michelle Obama have been the gold standard of relationship goals for a long time. But lately? The rumor mill has been working overtime, churning out all kinds of gossip about a supposed rough patch in their marriage. So, what's going on behind the filtered photos and bestselling books?
In a recent conversation with Hamilton College president Steven Tepper, Barack didn't dodge the tough stuff. The former president got honest about life after the White House and the toll it took on his marriage.
© GettyImages"I was in debt to my wife," he admitted, not financially, but emotionally. He talked about how 2017, the year they stepped out of the political spotlight, was a turning point.
The White House Was a Vibe, But Also a Lot
Barack was running a country. Meanwhile, Michelle was out here being First Lady, mom of two, health advocate, fashion icon, and the unofficial queen of side-eye. That's a whole lot of pressure for one couple.
After leaving office, the Obamas made a point of resetting. Barack said he's been trying to "dig himself out of that hole" ever since, using fun to reconnect—not therapy, not couples boot camp, just doing fun things together.
© GettyImagesMichelle's Been Busy Rewriting Her Story
Meanwhile, Michelle has been doing what Michelle Obama does: building an empire. She recently launched a podcast with her brother Craig Robinson, IMO (In My Opinion). During one episode, she spilled some serious tea about the early days of her relationship with Barack.
Michelle revealed she left her high-paying corporate job when she got serious with him. "I had someone telling me: 'I support you,'" she said, adding that she valued that emotional backbone over a fat paycheck.
© Gilbert FloresThat's real love, but it also takes work. "You've got to be willing to face tough things with each other," she said. That sounds like both a love letter and a low-key cry for help.
So... Are the Rumors True?
Here's the thing: people have been speculating for months. Last October, there was even a wild rumor that Barack was getting close with "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston.
Jen shut it down, saying she'd met him once and talked to Michelle more. So yeah, that theory's toast. But other signs have been harder to ignore. Michelle has been missing out on major events, like Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's inauguration. Barack has been spotted alone on trips to visit Sasha and Malia, and he even took a solo stroll to the cherry blossoms in DC, where he accidentally photobombed a family pic.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupWhat's Next for the Obamas?
They've been together for over 30 years. That's practically a century in a celebrity couple of years. They've raised two incredible daughters, built a legacy, and managed to look like prom king and queen at every public event.
Are they perfect? Nope. Are they human? Definitely, and from what both Barack and Michelle are saying, it sounds like they're doing the work, even if that work involves solo walks and podcast therapy.
So if they are still #couplegoals, it is for you to decide.
