10 Times Michelle Obama Showed Us What Love Looks Like
by Ashleigh Thompson
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March 4, 2025

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10 Times Michelle Obama Showed Us What Love Looks Like

Michelle Obama is the epitome of grace, intelligence, and—let’s be real—#RelationshipGoals. Whether she’s hyping up her forever boo Barack, sharing wisdom on self-love, or showing love to her sisterhood, Mrs. Obama continuously reminds us what love looks like in all its forms. 

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 10 times Michelle Obama gave us a masterclass in love.

1. The Time She Called Barack Her Best Friend

In 2019, Michelle Obama posted a heartwarming Instagram message on their wedding anniversary, calling Barack her “best friend” and thanking him for “22 years of love, trust, and respect.” That’s what real love looks like—partnership, appreciation, and a friendship that stands the test of time.

2. That Time She Held Barack’s Hand Under the Table

If you’ve ever seen The Way I See It, the documentary about White House photographer Pete Souza, then you know the moment. A quiet but powerful image of Michelle reaching under the table to hold Barack’s hand during a tense meeting showed us that love is about support—even when no one’s watching.

 

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3. When She Got Real About Marriage Being Hard Work

Michelle kept it 100 when she admitted in 2022 that she “couldn’t stand” Barack for about 10 years while raising their daughters. Instead of sugarcoating, she reminded us that love isn’t always easy, but commitment, patience, and teamwork make the journey worthwhile.

4. The Time She Danced with Barack at Every Inaugural Ball

Every time Barack won an election, Michelle Obama celebrated by dancing with him like nobody was watching. From Beyoncé singing “At Last” in 2009 to their 2013 inaugural dance, their connection was evident, proving that love is about celebration—even in the biggest moments.

5. When She Encouraged Black Women to Love Themselves

In her book The Light We Carry, Michelle spoke about battling self-doubt and learning to love herself fully. By sharing her journey, she taught Black women everywhere that self-love is the foundation for all other love.

 

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6. When She Gushed Over Barack’s Dad Skills

Michelle has never missed a moment to praise Barack as a father. Whether it’s through interviews, books, or social media, she consistently reminds the world that watching him parent their daughters, Malia and Sasha, made her love him even more. Because, let’s be honest, seeing a Black man show up for his family is top-tier love.

7. That Time She Supported Love on ‘The Michelle Obama Podcast’

During the debut season of The Michelle Obama Podcast, she and Barack sat down to talk about relationships, marriage, and love. She candidly discussed what it takes to build a lasting partnership and uplifted Black love in a way only she can.

 

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8. When She Cried During Barack’s Farewell Speech

Who could forget the emotional moment in 2017 when Barack thanked Michelle during his farewell address, calling her his “best friend” and “the best thing that ever happened” to him? The tears in her eyes said it all—love is about deep, unwavering pride in your partner.

9. When She Encouraged Black Girls to Love Their Natural Beauty

Michelle rocked her natural curls post-White House, inspiring countless Black women to embrace their beauty in all its forms. Whether in an updo, curls, or a sleek bob, she showed us that self-love means celebrating your authenticity.

10. The Time She Showed Sisterhood is Love Too

Michelle Obama has built powerful bonds with other Black women, from Oprah Winfrey to Beyoncé to her best friend and former Chief of Staff, Melissa Winter. Her unwavering support for her sisterhood is a reminder that love isn’t just romantic—it’s also about lifting each other up.

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