Money isn’t everything: Michelle Obama talks dating and financial stability
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In a world where financial stability often tops the list of desirable traits in a partner, Michelle Obama's candid perspective on the matter is both refreshing and thought-provoking.
During a conversation that delved into the intricacies of relationships and financial security, the former First Lady shared her personal experience, which may just challenge the conventional wisdom on the subject.
When asked by host Robinson whether she would be attracted to someone who wasn't “financially sound,” Michelle Obama's response was as honest as it was surprising: “Uh, I married one.”
This revelation came during an intimate discussion where she reflected on her early days with Barack Obama, a time when financial affluence was not part of their equation.
Michelle recounted her decision to leave her corporate law firm to join Barack on a journey of mutual support and shared ambition.
“I had somebody who was like, 'I got your back. The risks you think you’re taking, they aren’t that crazy, and I’m here to help you,” she explained.

“That’s when I said, ‘I would rather have that in a partner than a higher income. I would rather have somebody who is ready to do some hard things with me.’ But that meant I had to be ready to do some hard things with him.”
The conversation took a turn when Robinson suggested that “women in general” might not share Michelle's outlook, often seeking a “good catch” in the financial sense.

While Michelle acknowledged that some might prioritize material wealth, she emphasized the importance of looking beyond the superficial.
She said that they shouldn’t generalize all women, while agreeing that some aren’t “looking deep enough” and instead, focus on the “superficial” traits when dating.
When they met at the Sidley Austin LLP law firm in Chicago, Michelle was 25 and Barack was 28. Within a month of meeting, former President Obama asked Michelle out on a date, and their engagement soon followed in 1991.
The couple got married the next year and went on to welcome their first daughter, Malia, in 1998, followed by their second daughter, Sasha, in 2001.

Their journey into the public eye began in 2004, when Barack Obama was elected as a state senator in Illinois.
He later made history in 2008 by becoming the 44th president of the United States, and secured a second term in 2012.

Despite their Ivy League credentials and high-profile life, things haven't always been smooth for the pair.
Speaking on Revolt TV in December 2022, Michelle revealed that during the early years of parenting, she "couldn’t stand" Barack, explaining that she felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising their children while both were focused on advancing their careers.
“Marriage isn’t 50/50 — ever,” she said. “There’s sometimes I’m 70, he’s 30, but guess what? We’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30.”
In recent months, they’ve also faced speculation about their relationship, particularly after Barack was seen attending both President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Trump’s inauguration without Michelle.
However, sources told Page Six that Michelle has simply “checked out” of her former life in Washington, DC.
Read next: A cancer survivor's health secret: Discover the kitchen items you should eliminate immediately
Have you experienced the benefits of a partnership that prioritizes emotional wealth over financial wealth? How do you balance the practical need for financial stability with the desire for a deep, supportive relationship? Share your stories and insights in the comments below!
During a conversation that delved into the intricacies of relationships and financial security, the former First Lady shared her personal experience, which may just challenge the conventional wisdom on the subject.
When asked by host Robinson whether she would be attracted to someone who wasn't “financially sound,” Michelle Obama's response was as honest as it was surprising: “Uh, I married one.”
This revelation came during an intimate discussion where she reflected on her early days with Barack Obama, a time when financial affluence was not part of their equation.
Michelle recounted her decision to leave her corporate law firm to join Barack on a journey of mutual support and shared ambition.
“I had somebody who was like, 'I got your back. The risks you think you’re taking, they aren’t that crazy, and I’m here to help you,” she explained.

Michelle Obama opened up about marrying someone who wasn't financially stable, referencing her own marriage to Barack Obama. Image source: E! News / Youtube.
“That’s when I said, ‘I would rather have that in a partner than a higher income. I would rather have somebody who is ready to do some hard things with me.’ But that meant I had to be ready to do some hard things with him.”
The conversation took a turn when Robinson suggested that “women in general” might not share Michelle's outlook, often seeking a “good catch” in the financial sense.

Michelle highlighted that she values partnership and shared struggles over financial security. Image source: E! News / Youtube.
While Michelle acknowledged that some might prioritize material wealth, she emphasized the importance of looking beyond the superficial.
She said that they shouldn’t generalize all women, while agreeing that some aren’t “looking deep enough” and instead, focus on the “superficial” traits when dating.
When they met at the Sidley Austin LLP law firm in Chicago, Michelle was 25 and Barack was 28. Within a month of meeting, former President Obama asked Michelle out on a date, and their engagement soon followed in 1991.
The couple got married the next year and went on to welcome their first daughter, Malia, in 1998, followed by their second daughter, Sasha, in 2001.

Michelle also opened up in 2022 about how she "couldn’t stand" Barack during the early years of parenting. Image source: E! News / Youtube.
Their journey into the public eye began in 2004, when Barack Obama was elected as a state senator in Illinois.
He later made history in 2008 by becoming the 44th president of the United States, and secured a second term in 2012.

She emphasized the importance of having a partner who supports you and is ready to face hardships together. Image source: ABC News / Youtube.
Despite their Ivy League credentials and high-profile life, things haven't always been smooth for the pair.
Speaking on Revolt TV in December 2022, Michelle revealed that during the early years of parenting, she "couldn’t stand" Barack, explaining that she felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising their children while both were focused on advancing their careers.
“Marriage isn’t 50/50 — ever,” she said. “There’s sometimes I’m 70, he’s 30, but guess what? We’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30.”
In recent months, they’ve also faced speculation about their relationship, particularly after Barack was seen attending both President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Trump’s inauguration without Michelle.
However, sources told Page Six that Michelle has simply “checked out” of her former life in Washington, DC.
Read next: A cancer survivor's health secret: Discover the kitchen items you should eliminate immediately
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Obama opened up about marrying someone who wasn't financially stable, referencing her own marriage to Barack Obama.
- She emphasized the importance of having a partner who supports you and is ready to face hardships together.
- Michelle highlighted that she values partnership and shared struggles over financial security.
- The discussion also touched on societal expectations, with Michelle arguing against the generalisation that all women seek a “good catch” purely for financial reasons.
Have you experienced the benefits of a partnership that prioritizes emotional wealth over financial wealth? How do you balance the practical need for financial stability with the desire for a deep, supportive relationship? Share your stories and insights in the comments below!