Michelle Obama may have just celebrated 33 years of a successful marriage, but critics have slammed the former first lady for her divisive dating tips. The author, 61, spoke with television writer and film producer Mara Brock Akil on her podcast IMO on Wednesday, where they discussed dating – and insisted that it is vital for teenagers to explore relationships before going to college. ‘There are a lot of Black people, they get into college, [and] they’ve never had a boyfriend or girlfriend,’ Michelle began.
![Mara chimed in saying: 'I don't think that's healthy,' with Michelle agreeing. 'I mean a lot of that comes from being in all white environments as Black kids,' the mom-of-two added. Mara continued, saying she thinks it is important to learn how to navigate someone's romantic feelings for you - and vice versa. '[If not] there's no memory of a mutual desire and how to negotiate those feelings, those conversations, those opportunities - maybe to come to mom or dad for advice.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/10/24/16/103250507-15224585-Mara_chimed_in_saying_I_don_t_think_that_s_healthy_with_Michelle-a-302_1761321149294.jpg)
Mara chimed in saying: ‘I don’t think that’s healthy,’ with Michelle agreeing. ‘I mean a lot of that comes from being in all white environments as Black kids,’ the mom-of-two added. Mara continued, saying she thinks it is important to learn how to navigate someone’s romantic feelings for you – and vice versa. ‘[If not] there’s no memory of a mutual desire and how to negotiate those feelings, those conversations, those opportunities – maybe to come to mom or dad for advice.
‘There’s no place for them to even practice those practices,’ the television writer pointed out. While Michelle and Mara were convinced of their dating strategies, not everyone thought that teenage romances should be encouraged. ‘I don’t think there’s anything wrong with never having a boyfriend or a girlfriend before you go to college,’ one person commented on a clip of the podcast, which was shared to social media. ‘Michelle called my life unhealthy,’ complained someone else, in part.
‘This is a slippery slope,’ pointed out someone else. ‘Why are they encouraging minor romance?’ ‘I don’t think there is anything wrong with never dating before college,’ declared another person. ‘I teach in an urban environment and most kids are not dating, it’s usually only the “popular” kids who are dating.’ They continued: ‘There is no need to rush dating. It will happen when the timing is right. Let’s not put unnecessary pressure where there doesn’t need to be any.’ However, others praised Michelle for voicing her thoughts, agreeing with her take.
‘It’s dangerous if I had of gone to college having NEVER BEEN IN A RELATIONSHIP OR DATED. I would been back home in no time with child and nothing else to show for it,’ one user said. ‘We need to start normalizing these conversations cause everyone acts like it is weird if you never dated pre university,’ another fan commented. It’s not the first time the former first lady has offered dating advice to young people.
In August, the podcast host revealed she has encouraged her daughters, Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, to date around. ‘I just try to get them to stay open to people,’ the IMO host shared. ‘The thing that I did do was date a lot. When Barack showed up, I had experiences to compare him against,’ she added. Michelle and Barack, 64, tied the knot in 1992 and have been married for 33 years.
The couple, whose marriage has been plagued with divorce rumors recently, took to social media to profess their love for each other on their wedding anniversary. The couple delighted in voicing their adoration for one another on their special day, uploading the same adorable selfie to Instagram in which they exuded happiness as they posed cheek to cheek.
