Barack Obama Is In His 'Make It Up To Michelle' Era

“Happy wife, happy life?” That seems to be President Barack Obama’s mantra as he shares rare tea about his marriage and family life with Michelle Obama.

In an April 3 conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, the 44th president admitted that he’s been in a “deep deficit” with Michelle when it comes to their relationship. He also mentioned that he has been actively working to get out of it by prioritizing more fun and meaningful time together.

Barack Obama’s candidness reminds us that Black love takes work

Answering a question on how he spends his time post-White House, the president mentioned focusing on the Obama Foundation and added, “Beyond that, look, 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.”

While his comment was one of many mentioned during his fireside chat with the school, it was a candid moment that reminded us of something so relatable. Relationships take work, no matter the title, person, or social status.

It’s this level of honesty that makes the Obamas even more iconic. Yes, they signify change in America. Yes, they were (and are) the coolest president–first lady duo we’ve ever seen. But more than anything, Barack and Michelle have always been real.

We will forever root for Barack and Michelle Obama

Our forever FLOTUS echoed this transparency in a recent conversation with her brother, Craig Robinson, during SXSW. While promoting her new podcast, Michelle spoke about how she and Barack have stayed strong amid years of gossip and negative rumors about their relationship.

She has no problem protecting her peace.

“But through it all, what kept us sane—and we tried to instill this in our daughters—is, you cannot live through social media,” she told the Austin audience. “I don’t think I have ever once looked at a comment section, period.”

Michelle has also previously admitted to going to relationship counseling.

In a 2018 interview with People, Michelle revealed that she and Barack went to marriage counseling. While promoting her memoir, Becoming, she shared: “Because we’re role models, it’s important for us to be honest and say, if you’re in a marriage and there are times you want to leave, that’s normal—because I felt that way. There were definitely times when I wished things were different… but I don’t think I ever thought, ‘I’m just checking out of this.'”

Barack and Michelle have been married since 1992. We will forever be rooting for them. Their love—and candidness—inspire many.