Barack and Michelle Obama are showing the world they’re still going strong after 34 years of marriage.
The 65-year-old shared a photo of the couple embracing on Instagram Saturday, with the former president lovingly gazing at Michelle as she rested a hand on his arm.
“Happy anniversary, @MichelleObama! I’m still the luckiest guy in the world to be with you,” the former US president captioned the post.
Meanwhile, Michelle shared a montage of photos and videos of the duo over the years, including throwback images from their 1992 wedding, moments from Barack’s time in the White House and more recent snapshots of the pair on vacation and at public events.
“Loving you just keeps getting better and better!” she captioned the post, which was set to Stevie Wonder’s 1976 hit As.
“Happy anniversary, @BarackObama. Here’s to many, many more years of joy, laughter, and memories to come,” she wrote.
As the couple mark another year of togetherness here are five love lessons that you can learn from the Obamas.
Be your partner’s best friend
During his farewell speech on Jan. 10, 2017 at McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, President Obama teared up as he thanked Former First Lady Michelle Obama for her service and impact at the White House.
He said, “For the past 25 years, you've not only been my wife and the mother of my children, you've been my best friend. You took on a role you didn't ask for and you made it your own with grace, grit and style.”
Appreciate your partner
Michelle shared on Live! With Regis and Kelly in 2011 the secret to staying grounded in love after decades of marriage. She reflected on how humor has helped them navigate the highs and lows.
The 62-yerar-old said, “In our house, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.”
Respect
Michelle mentioned this to Gayle King at the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans, during a candid conversation about the realities of life, health, and marriage post-White House.
“It’s so important to marry somebody that you respect. It’s important to marry somebody who is your equal, and to marry somebody, and to be with somebody who wants you to win as much as you want them to win,” she advised.
Express your feelings
In a 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey on her show, Obama emphasized that love and respect are the foundation of a strong marriage. The Obamas discussed their relationship, life together, and experiences in the White House.
He told Winfrey about Michelle, “She is just my rock, and I count on her in so many ways every single day.”
Be present
“There's no doubt I'm a better man having spent time with Michelle. I would never say that Michelle's a better woman, but I will say she's a little more patient,” said the former president.
President Obama told Vogue in a 2013 interview how his relationship with his wife continues to shape him, underscoring the value of mutual growth, patience, and showing up for each other each day.
