When it comes to love, Michelle Obama is keeping it real with her daughters, Malia (27) and Sasha (24).
On the latest episode of her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, the former First Lady shared the same advice that once helped her figure out that Barack Obama was “the one.”
The Secret? Date Around First
Michelle’s message is simple: don’t rush. “I just try to get them to stay open to people,” she said.
Looking back on her own twenties, Michelle admitted that dating widely gave her a reference point — so when Barack came into the picture, she knew he was different.
“The thing that I did do was date a lot,” she explained. “When Barack showed up, I had experiences to compare him against.”
Michelle and Barack have made it a tradition to talk openly with their daughters about dating — the good, the bad, and the awkward.
For them, the goal is to help Malia and Sasha build relationships that feel stable and fulfilling.
“My whole thing is date. Date a lot, and if you run into a bad date or have a bad experience, move on quickly,” Michelle said. “If it’s not working, next.”
When Sparks First Flew
So how did Michelle know Barack was special? She recalls their first long lunch together — filled with conversation, laughter, and an undeniable vibe.
“We just vibed,” she said, smiling at the memory. “I would probably say, if he were here, there was a hint of a spark that started at that lunch.”
Funny enough, Michelle admitted she had low expectations before meeting him face-to-face, picturing Barack as a “nerdy guy.”
Instead, she found him handsome, charming, and with just the right mix of intellect and connection. The rest, as the world knows, is history.