So many of my friends judged potential mates from the outside in, focusing first on their looks and financial prospects. If it turned out the person they'd chosen wasn't a good communicator or was uncomfortable with being vulnerable, they seemed to think time or marriage vows would fix the problem. But Barack arrived in my life a wholly formed person. From our very first conversation, he'd shown me that he wasn't self-conscious about expressing fear or weakness and that he valued being truthful.
In her book "Becoming," Michelle Obama reflects on the importance of inner qualities in a partner rather than superficial traits like looks or wealth. She critiques her friends who prioritize appearances and financial stability when choosing a mate. They often believe that marriage can resolve deeper issues of communication and vulnerability, which is a misguided approach to relationships.
Michelle contrasts this with her experience of meeting Barack Obama, who immediately demonstrated...