I don’t know about you, but I am still recovering from this week’s midterm elections. There were some heartbreaking losses (Beto O’Rourke) and some incredible wins (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, OMG!). There is still a lot to be worried about and a lot to be hopeful for in the future. However, for today, I just want to look back on happier times, when things were a little less precarious and fraught. There’s no better way to harken back than with unbelievably adorable photos of Barack and Michelle Obama in love. I mean, regardless of what you may or may not think of any of President Obama's policies while he was in office, I think we can all agree there has never been a couple in the White House that regularly served up relationship goals like these two.
There is just something so sweet, pure, and unapologetically romantic about the way these two would interact. Theirs was the PDA that America wanted and deserved. Which is why, while they may no longer be getting their mail at 6000 Pennsylvania Ave, it doesn't mean we can’t take a look back at photos of them over the years — photos that prove you should never settle for anything less than a partner who looks at you the way Barack and Michelle look at each other.
What makes this photo so remarkable isn’t how in love they are here, back in October 1992 on their wedding day. It’s how similar it is to the photos taken recently. This is a couple that appears to be just as much, if not more, in love as the day they walked down the aisle.
These two know how to make hitting the campaign trail look like a romantic adventure.
I mean, come on, this is the stuff fairytale romances are made of. Just look a the way he looks at her! Magic.
The fireworks between these two are both literal and figurative on the Fourth of July in 2009.
No. Stop. Too cute. Moving on...
The couple that laughs together, stays together, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Obamas share the love of a lifetime.
I cannot deal.
Caught on the kiss cam. The Obamas, they're just like us.
The look on Obama's face here while he gives the former first lady a squeeze is hugs goals personified.
Just another lesson from the Obamas on how to be adorable in public.
Normally I vote "no" on political PDA, but when these two do it, I can't help it — I just swoon.
I think this is my favorite photo of the two of them. The almost giddy look on Michelle's face is so sweet and relatable.
While these two have definitely shared plenty of romantic moments, they also know how to be silly and fun with each other, which is a sign of a true, loving partnership.
Looking back at this couple's love story is bittersweet. On the one hand, their love is so aspirational, but on the other, I can't help but miss the days when this was our first family. While they may no longer be in the White House, we hope to continue to watch their love story unfold in whatever next adventure awaits them. And again, find yourself a partner who looks and loves on you like the Obamas do on each other. You deserve nothing less.
