Barack Obama recently offered a rare and heartfelt look into his personal life, opening up about his marriage to Michelle Obama and the lessons he’s learned along the way. In a candid conversation with College President Steven Tepper, the former president acknowledged the challenges that came with years of public service, saying, “I was in a deep deficit with my wife.” He explained that he’s been working to make up for lost time by spending more quality moments together and enjoying simple, fun activities as a couple.
Married since 1992, Barack and Michelle have navigated more than three decades of life together—including eight demanding years in the White House. Their journey, filled with both highs and lows, has often been in the public eye. At times, online speculation and unfounded rumors have questioned the state of their relationship, but the Obamas have consistently stood together, dismissing the noise and staying focused on their family and each other.
Michelle Obama has never shied away from speaking honestly about their relationship. On her podcast, she shared some of the lighter moments of their marriage, including one particular quirk of Barack’s that took some getting used to: his relaxed approach to time. “Barack had to adjust to what ‘on time’ meant for me,” she said with a laugh, referring to his Hawaiian roots and what she affectionately called “island time.” She recalled instances when he would only start getting ready the moment they were supposed to leave—often resulting in a frantic search for his glasses.
While Barack’s time management has improved over the years, Michelle noted that their daughters, Malia and Sasha, have picked up her habit of arriving early. Time has long played a role in their lives—even during his presidency. In 2014, The Washington Post reported that Barack had racked up more than 35 hours in delayed public appearances, a small but telling reminder of how packed and unpredictable life in the White House could be.
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