Michelle Obama "Couldn't Stand" Barack Obama for 10 Years of Marriage—and It Makes Sense
Michelle and Barack Obama are as known for their politics as they are for their fairytale marriage of over twenty years. But it hasn't been all rainbows for the couple, Michelle spoke out about the trying years and strain that any relationship can have.RELATED: Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates’s Marriage Was Shocking – After 34 Years One Simple Word Kept It TogetherMarriage is never easy, adding a young family and a demanding job to the mix can be a recipe for disaster. But these two managed to overcome all odds.The Start of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's Relationship @barackobama/InstagramFate brought Michelle Robinson, then 25, and Barack Obama, then 28, together in 1989. Assigned as Barack's mentor at law firm Sidley Austin LLP based in Chicago, Barack admits he was smitten from the start. "Barack, about a month in, asked me out, and I thought 'No way. This is completely tacky,'" she told ABC News in an interview.Barack used persistence and patience until the two eventually went out on their first date. While they are known as a “political power couple,” the two began their relationship with nothing but love and admiration for one another. She described Barack as the perfect combination of hip, cutting edge and sensitive.RELATED: Jennifer Lopez Reveals What She’s Learned After Three Failed Marriages – And How She’s Protecting Her Fourth"Despite my resistance to the hype that had preceded him, I found myself admiring Barack for both his self-assuredness and his earnest demeanor,” Michelle wrote in her novel “Becoming.” Their infamous first date began with lunch at the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a wak to Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.The pair eventually modestly engaged in 1991 at Gordon’s restaurant in Chicago. "And then the waiter came over with the dessert and a tray. And there was the ring," Michelle said. "And I was completely shocked.”Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Welcome Daughters Malia and Sasha@michelleobama/InstagramAfter saying “I do” at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago on October 3, 1992, the newlyweds welcomed their first child, Sasha Obama. Six years later they welcomed their second when Malia Ann Obama was born on July 4, 1998. During the 2008 presidential election, Barack took a victory over Republican nominee John McCain. Holding onto power from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017, the former president became more than a politician. Barack's role as husband and father gained national attention; praised for juggling political responsibilities alongside being a devoted partner. RELATED: Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Has It All – But After 22-Years of Marriage She’s in “Thankful Mode’ For One Simple ReasonIt came with a surprise when the former First Lady revealed she couldn't stand Barack for 10 years after the birth of their daughters. On the Revolt x Michelle Obama special, Michelle told host Angie Martinez and panelists Tina Lawson, Kelly Rowland, H.E.R., and Winnie Harlow that she faced a rough patch in her marriage. Michelle Obama Speaks On The Hardships Of Marriage When Michelle and Barack's daughters were young, the couple went through a tumultuous time in their marriage. There was tension, strain and frustration on both sides. So much that the former first lady confessed she “couldn’t stand” her husband for nearly a decade. “We don’t talk about how much work is required and how hard it is even when you are madly in love with the person, even when everything works out right.” She went on, “People think I’m being catty by saying this: It’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband. And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.”RELATED: Adam Sandler Insists “Nobody Wants to Hear About My Secret to Marriage,” But He Is Dead WrongWhile Barack built his political career, Michelle was busy looking after daughters, Sasha and Malia. She admits the marriage is not always 50/50, but marriage is rarely about being equally balanced. Instead, the former First Lady wants others to understand that marriage takes work. Regardless of how madly in love you may be, a partnership will put your relationship to the test. “There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, 40, but guess what?” she continued. “Ten years – we’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30 – it’s just how you look at it. And people give up … [saying], ‘Five years – I can’t take it,” she said. Marriage Is Never A Perfectly Written Script barackobama/Instagram | @michelleobama/Instagram Love has its ups and downs and for some a decade of marital challenges may seem like the right time to call it quits. But the former First Lady is glad she stands beside the former president and their family.Michelle Obama explains that 10 bad years seem minuscule when compared to a 30-year marriage. The two could have parted ways and ended their partnership but they worked through their challenges and stay committed. RELATED: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s Advice to a Lasting Marriage Is One Very Simple ‘Secret’As she describes in her novel The Light We Carry, Michelle says it is important for young individuals to understand there will be times when one person is putting in more work than the other. Sometimes it balances it out, but the majority of the time these are just “natural compromises."“I think it’s important for us to be honest in those conversations not to glamorize what a partnership feels like because then young people quit too soon,” Michelle said. “They quit before they’ve really played out the full scenario.”KEEP READING: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s 50-Year Marriage Was Based on Four Words – Two You Wouldn’t Suspect
Gwendoline Christie Fought Bullies Her Entire Life - The Gloves Are Off Now That She Is A Star
A Netflix hit series has surely satisfied supernatural fans in search of their dose of grim humour. Wednesday, a spin-off of the 1964 television series The Addams Family, features some oddly familiar characters. Gomez and Morticia Addams, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, the disembodied hand known as ’Thing’ are enough to spark nostalgia. RELATED: Amber Rose Exposed Kanye’s Cruel Bullying And Used It To Create Something IncredibleWhile Halloween is dead and gone, it seems some Netflix users are in the mood to resurface their inner gothic. The show has done remarkably well since its Nov. 23 premiere. Ranked as the #1 tv show on Netflix with 341.2 million hours viewed, the series takes the top spot in 83 counties. To put things into perspective, Stranger Things Season 4 is the only show that comes close to reaching this feat. It isn’t just Wednesday, played by Jenna Ortega that is a show favourite. Gwendoline Christie also known as Principal Weems and head of Nevermore Academy, is receiving quite the praise. Who Is Gwendoline Christie And Where Have We Seen Her BeforeEnglish actress Gwendoline Christie played Brienne of Tarth in the HBO-series Game of Thrones. She is also known for roles in The Sandman and Star Wars.Since then, her career has excelled leading to a lead role in Wednesday where she plays the poised and professional shapeshifter and Principal Weems. RELATED: The ‘Star Wars Kid’ Strikes Back: How a Viral Victim Became an Anti-Bullying HeroHer time is spent ensuring Nevermore Academy’s reputation isn’t tainted. The school is full of sirens, werewolves, vampires and gorgons but to Principal Weems Nevermore is a sanctuary. Her looming presence is captivating to say the least. While her pristine appearance is one to admire, it is her height that is truly breathtaking. It is important to note that while today Christie’s height makes her character, this was not always the case. Gwendoline Christie Was Told She’d Never Make It As An ActressIn a 2015 interview with Vogue, Christie recalls finding beauty in her uniqueness. "At 12, I was 5'7". At 14, I was 6'1". Then I grew another couple of inches after that when I was around 18. I’m now 6'3" and a quarter. Either I’m still growing or my posture has improved,” she said. RELATED: Why We Need To Shift The Conversation On Chrissy Teigen’s Cyberbullying BehaviorWhile attending a drama school, Christie’s professors told her finding work would be challenging. The limitations that others put on her did not tarnish her drive to succeed as an actress. With a slight bone to pick, Christie looked up to Orlando’s Tilda Swinton. The two had similar characteristics of blonde hair, pale skin, pale eyelashes and a cryptic presence. "I remember thinking, Here’s someone not a million miles away from me in a film version of a book I deeply admire, and I thought maybe it is possible. Things like that genuinely give you the confidence to go ahead,” she said. Body shamed, bullied and told to let her dreams go, Christie did the exact opposite. Her determination led to a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series in 2019 for her role in Game Of Thrones. Feeling Beautiful On Screen For The First Time Ever Gwendoline Christie and Jenna Ortega As far as casting in Hollywood goes, people tend to get lumped into a category and have to scratch and claw to find their way out. Christie’s role as Principal Weems in Wednesday is a turning point in her career, trading in the metal armour for red lips and pencil skirts. RELATED: Hugh Jackman Stands Up for 10-Year-Old Bullying Victim, Sends Her Powerful Words of EncouragementFor the first time in her career, Christie said she “felt beautiful on screen.” With hair and makeup done to perfection, the actress told Entertainment Weekly that she finally felt celebrated. "Never once did I feel like there was something to hide or something to be ashamed of. She made me feel incredible,” she said.How Principal Weems In Wednesday Came To Be Christie was given creative freedom to mold her character into what defined Principal Weems. She leaned towards a Hitchcock-style Heroin that was in charge of her own fate. Unfazed by the horrors unravelling in her own school, Principal Weems remained confident, assertive and graceful. RELATED: Demi Lovato: Stand Up Against BullyingIt’s tough to deny that the strongest characters are usually made up of actors and actresses that are allowed to run wild with their own creative freedom. "I cannot express my extreme gratitude more heartily to Tim and Colleen and our hair and makeup team. Colleen Atwood is rightfully a legend, and what she does is close to witchcraft in terms of transformation. It is an honor of my life to work with Colleen and to work with Tim,” she added. Setting An Example For Young Women In The Film Industry Despite her growing fame, Christie is not one to forget the challenges of breaking into the film industry. Yes, she showed naysayers that perseverance surpasses all. “I think, because my body seems to draw such extreme responses from people, that, well… it’s fight or flight, isn’t it? Sink or swim,” she said in a 2019 interview with GQ Style. RELATED: Eminem’s Life Story: From Bullied Dropout to Hip Hop KnockoutAs a feminist and anti-bullying activist, Christie has proven that women can flourish in the film industry despite not meeting conventional societal standards. “You either exist in a state of shame about not fitting into society or you embrace what you have.” Is the film and tv industry in the midst of a shift? Perhaps. We have witnessed more inclusivity, diversity and an undeniable effort to eliminate former conventional norms. With Christie being cast as Principal Weems, this is an indicator that beauty standards are shifting. Hopefully this trend is one that continues to grow. KEEP READING: Bullied For Her Dark Skin, She Vows To Love Herself – Now She’s A High-Fashion Model
Why Kirstie Alley’s Love of Her Life Was Always John Travolta - And Why It Matters
Kristie Alley, best known for her work in Cheers and Look Who’s Talking, passed away at the age of 71 on Dec. 5. Alley’s children True and Lillie Parker posted to Twitter with a statement that read “we are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.” RELATED: George Clooney Handed 14 Friends a Mystery Suitcase Each – What They Found Inside Shocked ThemHer breakout role, Cheers, earned Alley an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe in 1991. Paving the way for American sitcom, Alley yet again charmed viewers with her role as Mollie Ubriacco in the 1980’s rom-com Look Who’s Talking. Starring alongside John Travolta who played James Ubriacco, the two formed an unparalleled relationship on screen and off. A Love Interest Formed On ScreenKristie Alley and John Travolta in Look Who's Talking.The chemistry for one another began decades ago while filming. In the film, Mollie (played by Kirstie Alley), a single mother determined to raise her son on her own unexpectedly falls in love with a cab driver. Cue to the heartwarming comedic twist. The cab driver, played by Travolta, is the man driving Mollie to the hospital while she is in labour. As rom-coms go, the two fall madly in love and devote their lives to raising a family together. But this relationship stretched further than a scripted on-set romance. In real life, Alley was falling in love as quickly as her character Mollie. Unintentionally building an unshakeable love, the two were forced to admire each other from afar. RELATED: ‘I’ve Always Loved Him’ – Middle School Friends Wait 24 Years to Kiss, and Almost Immediately Get Engaged"I did love him; I still love him," she said at the time. "If I hadn't been married, I would've gone and married him and I would've been in an airplane because he has his own plane,” Alley said on an episode with Big Brother U.K. in 2018. With a love so strong, one can’t help but wonder why Alley did not pursue her love interest. Well, it wasn’t because Travolta didn’t feel the same way. In fact, he shared the same admiration for the actress. The reason was because the actor had already tied with knot with American actress Kelly Preston. Kristie Alley And John Travolta Remained Soulmates For Life Kirstie Alley and Ted Danson in Cheers (1982 - 1993)Alley herself said “I do” with ex-husband Parker Stevenson in 1983. She admitted it took years to not look at her co-star as a romantic interest. "[It was] the hardest decision I've ever made because I was madly in love with him — we were fun and funny together," said Alley. "It wasn't a sexual relationship because I'm not going to cheat on my husband.” RELATED: Bradley Cooper and Girlfriend Huma Abedin Are Your Favorite New “It” Couple – Here’s WhyWhile the relationship remained platonic, the Cheers actress said what she did was considered even worse. She remained devoted to her husband but held onto an indescribable forbidden love. “When you get on the road and you’re doing a movie, it’s very easy to fall in love with your leading man,” she gushed. “For a year, you’re around this person. … It’s just hard, I think,” she said. John Travolta Remembers His Co-Star As A Dear Friend And MoreThe two may have not been a couple on paper but their mutual love for one another is one to be admired. A true story of two soulmates that could have had an extraordinary life together but chose to remain true to their spouses. RELATED: Brendan Fraser Steps Out With New Girlfriend – Proves It’s Never Too Late to Bounce Back in Life and Love Grieving the loss of his dear friend, Travolta posted to Instagram with a photo of Alley and a message that read “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.” He concluded his farewell with a video posted on his social media page of the two performing “The Dance of Love.” A young Alley dressed in a shimmering floor length gown seals a kiss with the dapper Travolta. Staying True To Themselves and Their PartnersOn set, the two shared a deep love but in real life, they remained loyal to their respective partners. Suppressing an overwhelming feeling of love, Alley and Travolta loved one another in the only way possible -- as great friends. Even though the two never realized their love story, their bond over the years proves they were soulmates on a different level. Many of us have different people we love who come in and out of our lives. Despite overwhelming feelings for one another, it serves to show what true love really means - it doesn't strive to harm or hurt others to achieve its goal. And it doesn't have to be fight time or distance. KEEP READING: How Julia Roberts and George Clooney’s Lifelong Friendship Helped ‘Save’ One Another
How Lamar Jackson Taught His Girlfriend to Never Listen to The Haters
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has all eyes on him. The 25-year-old is the youngest quarterback to win MVP in the National Football League. During his second season with the Ravens, Jackson scored 43 touchdowns. This feat comes with 3,127 passing yards and 1,206 rushing yards. With jaw-dropping stats, Jackson has gained the attention of fans, coaches and teammates. From Louisville, Kentucky, the football pro has maintained a relatively low profile compared to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Tom Brady. RELATED: Brendan Fraser Steps Out With New Girlfriend – Proves It’s Never Too Late to Bounce Back in Life and Love Off the field, Jackson has clearly made it a top priority to hold onto his personal privacy. Although the NFL star has been in a relationship with girlfriend Jaime Taylor for five years, there are very few details that can be found on the two. Who Is Lamar Jackson’s Girlfriend, Jamie Taylor?The quarterback and his girlfriend are University of Louisville college sweethearts. Yes, the two could have possibly been walking the halls hand in hand before Jackson’s iconic rookie season with the Ravens. As told by cheatsheet.com, the two were reportedly an item since 2017, but this is tough to prove given Taylor’s low profile. RELATED: Japanese Boy Bullied for Speaking Portuguese to Cristiano Ronaldo – What Happens Next Is InspiringAnd by low profile we mean few images, no press photos and limited social media accounts. Staying clear of the limelight had fans questioning whether or not Taylor was the mother of daughter, Milan. Jackson shared adorable photos to his social media of his second child but was tightlipped about unveiling any other details. Lamar Jackson’s Thick Skin Contributes to His Top PerformanceAs one of the most closely watched athletes of all time, Jackson is no stranger to critiques. In fact, it is the doubts of others that fuel him. "Jackson's quiet strength and thick skin will be important attributes as he enters his much-anticipated second NFL season,” read a statement by the Baltimore Ravens. RELATED: Why We Need To Take A Hard Look At Miley Cyrus’ Dating HistoryThick skin is at the core of tackling adversity, criticism and rejection. He understands that pleasing everyone is nearly impossible - and this sits perfectly well with the athlete. "They can say whatever they want about me, but I'm trying to compete with (Tom) Brady. People are trying to make it to Pro Bowls and stuff like that? I don't care about that. I'm not playing for myself. I'm playing for my team. My teammates know I'm all about winning. They can see it in my face. I don't talk about it and brag about it, but I want the Lombardi Trophy for my team,” Jackson told the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson Encourages Girlfriend to Stay True to Herself In a rare interview with the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor tells the team she is constantly inspired by her partner’s positive outlook on life. The quarterback refuses to let the words of others define who he is. "He's taught me how to handle criticism," Taylor said. "I mean, I used to get mad when I'd read stuff. Then I'd look at him, and he's just fine. He says, 'Let them do the talking. You don't have to say anything. Just show them,” said Taylor. RELATED: Why We Need To Talk About Keanu Reeves’ Girlfriend Alexandra GrantWhile we may not know a whole lot about Jackson and Taylor’s relationship , we do know their silence comes with a purpose. It can be argued that Jackson’s privacy is what makes him a top-tier quarterback at just 25-years old. Refusing to listen to naysayers and stay true to himself are values he works to install within his family. After all, the best sort of revenge is proving to others that they were wrong. "The fans who believe in me, I really appreciate it. The ones who don't believe? They can hop on the bandwagon later,” said Jackson. KEEP READING: Adam Sandler Insists “Nobody Wants to Hear About My Secret to Marriage,” But He Is Dead Wrong