Former President Barack Obama reveals what makes his marriage with Michelle tick

The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, talked openly about his marriage to Michelle Obama, with whom he continues to share an unwavering commitment. In a recent interview with CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson to discuss gun violence after the country surpassed 200 mass shootings this year, and other issues facing the country, Obama touched on his relationship with his Michelle after Burleson asked about the time when "she couldn't stand" Obama. Marriages are tough, but if love and understanding constitute the foundation, the bond knows no bounds, as the Obamas' marriage attests. "It sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her," joked Obama.

The presidential couple, who got married on October 3, 1992, share joyful moments to cherish and some not-so-happy events during their marriage. When their children, Malia and Sasha, were growing up, Obama said the girls were their top priority. "I did not fully appreciate, I think — as engaged of a father as I was — the degree of stress and tension for her knowing that not just me and Michelle were under scrutiny and in this strange environment, but that we were raising our daughters in a kind of situation that just wasn't normal," he said. However, Obama mentioned that Michelle is "a little more forgiving" of all flaws. "What she's told me is, you know, 'Looking back, you did okay as a dad,'" he added. " And if I passed that test, she'll forgive most of my other foibles."

During an interview with CBS Mornings in April, the former first lady shared about her marriage struggles, saying she "couldn't stand" her husband for a decade when their children were little. "A lot of young people quit on marriage over things that are just a part of the commitment," she said. "We've been married for 30 years. If I fell out with him for 10, and we had a great 20 years. I'd take those odds anytime." She added that discussing these things is essential because "marriage is hard." Marriage is not always easy, and spending time with your spouse every day requires care, focus, and patience that nobody has all the time every day.

The Obamas had children while advancing their careers, according to PEOPLE. "For ten years while we were trying to build our careers and, you know, worrying about school and who's doing what and what, I was like, 'Ugh, this isn't even.' And guess what? Marriage isn't 50/50, ever, ever." Michelle added, "There are times I'm 70; he's 30. There are times when he's 60 or 40, but, guess what? Ten years —we've been married for 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30 — it's just how you look at it," she added. "And people give up... 'Five years; I can't take it.'" Despite their rocky relationship in the initial years of their marriage, the couple has since worked on their relationship and will celebrate their 31st anniversary in October.

In 2018, Michelle spoke to PEOPLE about their life after leaving the White House, stating, "Because we are role models, it is 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," the former first lady recalled. However, things changed for the better, and now the couple is enjoying a healthy family life. "We are finding each other again," said Michelle. "We have dinners alone and chunks of time where it’s just us — what we were when we started this thing: no kids, no publicity, no nothing. Just us and our dreams."