Michelle Obama is confirming the long-running rumors about her marriage to former President Barack Obama — they are indeed going through some changes and exploring alternatives to being “a couple.”
In a new interview, the former first lady spoke out for the first time about the loud chatter that she and her husband, Barack Obama, are heading for divorce.
The mother of two, a highly accomplished lawyer and author, opened up about her decision not to work closely with her husband or make high-profile appearances with him. This choice is not a reflection of their relationship but rather a personal preference and a way for her to maintain her individual identity.
Michelle Obama boldly stated that her decisions reflect her growth and ambitions as a mature woman.
In recent months, Mrs. Obama has launched a podcast with her brother, focusing on personal growth and empowerment. She declined to appear at major political events, such as former president Jimmy Carter‘s funeral and Donald Trump‘s inauguration, as she prioritized her personal projects and well-being.
Mr. Obama made solo appearances at both events. Michelle Obama confessed on Sophia Bush‘s Work in Progress podcast that she and Mr. Obama are no longer an inseparable couple and added: “The interesting thing is that when I say ‘no,’ for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’ and I’m OK. And that’s what we as women struggle with — disappointing people. So much so that people, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
She firmly stated that she was her own person and that society needs to acknowledge and respect strong and independent women like her.
The former attorney said: “Why can’t I just be a grown woman making decisions for herself? But that’s what society does to us. We actually finally started going. What am I doing? Who am I doing this for? And if it doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what people think we should do, it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.”
Mrs. Obama continued to emphasize that it was now or never for her to be a liberated woman and finally spread her wings.
She declared: “At this stage of my life, it’s time to make some significant decisions… If not now, when? What am I waiting for? Now is the time for me to start asking myself these tough questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’ And that changes. So, who do I want to have a lunch with? How long do I want to stay in a place? Do I want to travel? If a girlfriend calls and says, ‘Let’s go here,’ I can say ‘Yes!’ I can. And I’m trying to do that more and more.”
However, what mainly stood out was that Barack and Michelle Obama had entered a new phase in their marriage.
The relationship has evolved to the point where they no longer want or need to work, collaborate, or even appear or vacation together.
Barack Obama confirmed that his wife was somewhat frustrated by their differing visions for their lives, careers, and golden years.
The former leader acknowledged that his wife was fatigued by his decision to prioritize work and politics and actively participate on the world stage. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama would rather enjoy life and some downtime.
He stated he felt guilty about the situation and added: “I was in a deep deficit with my wife. So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”
The Obamas’ situation is reminiscent of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a once-inseparable couple who pursued individual careers and personal success.
Oddly, the royal couple is also often reported as one scandal away from a divorce. Despite the speculation, it does not appear that Barack and Michelle Obama are headed for a divorce.
Some might say there is undeniably a significant shift in a relationship that indicates they are no longer on solid ground.
Others will argue that Michelle Obama’s independence is not a sign of marital discord but a reflection of her personal growth and self-discovery.
