Michelle Obama Reveals What It Was Like Dating Barack Before Marriage

Before they became the most recognized couple in American politics, Michelle and Barack Obama were just two young lawyers navigating mentorship, mutual attraction, and firm policies something Michelle now says almost stopped their love story before it began.

Michelle Obama took listeners of her podcast, "IMO," on a nostalgic journey this week, sharing candid memories from the early days of her relationship with Barack Obama.

The former first lady began the episode by reflecting on how she fell for the man who would become her husband of 32 years. Her brother, Craig Robinson, asked her, "What first attracted you to Barack?"

Michelle, 61, explained that she met Barack when she was assigned as his mentor at a law firm. At the time, the office was already buzzing about the incoming "hot shot."

Initially, she had low expectations. She figured he might be "probably a little weird" and "nerdy." However, that changed during their first phone call.

"He had his Barack Obama voice," she recalled. "The voice was sexier than the image I had. I was like, 'Ooh, I didn't expect this.' And he was older and self-assured."

She added that the one photo she had seen of Barack, now 64, "wasn't a great one," so she "wasn't feeling anything" — at least not until his first day on the job.

"He stands up. He's tall. And he's much cuter than his picture," Michelle said. "So I was pleasantly surprised that he was attractive. He was kind of cool in a way I didn't expect."

After a long lunch that first day, the two hit it off and even felt a hint of a spark. But Michelle had made up her mind not to date him, as she was his adviser and wanted to avoid doing anything that could jeopardize her job at the firm.

It even got to a point where Michelle tried setting him up with her friends. Despite that, their friendship deepened over the course of what she described as a "slow burn" summer, and Michelle began to realize her feelings were changing.

Barack eventually asked her out directly. "You're cute, you're cool. Why not? Who cares what the firm thinks? It's just a firm. And this is our business," he told her.

It wasn't an instant "yes" from Michelle. In fact, it took a couple of weeks for him to convince her to go on a date. However, it was his persistence and directness that impressed a hesitant Michelle.

She admiited his confidence was "kind of sexy." Looking back, Michelle said she's grateful she didn't let her personal rules block something meaningful.

"I could have missed my dream guy," she said. "He was right in front of me and I was convincing myself, even against his efforts, that we shouldn't go out. Long story short, I gave in."

The couple married in October 1992. They went on to welcome daughters Malia and Sasha, born in 1998 and 2001, who are now 27 and 24, respectively.

Despite facing recent divorce rumors, Michelle and Barack Obama have continued to demonstrate the strength of their marriage — even addressing the speculation with humor and grace.