Michelle Obama has addressed the reasons behind her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year, putting an end to rumours surrounding a possible fallout with her husband, Barack.

In a candid conversation on her podcast IMO, with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Michelle explained that her decision to decline attending the swearing-in ceremony was not a reflection of her marriage, but rather a personal choice to focus on what was best for her.

"I was really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me," Michelle shared explaining that the backlash was harsh as many speculated a fallout with Barack.

Despite the pressures, she stressed that it was important for her to break free from societal expectations and act in alignment with her needs, something that she said was incredibly difficult to do.

The former first lady also revealed that she had become so accustomed to high-profile events during her time in the White House that, in order to avoid attending Trump’s inauguration, she had to mentally prepare herself by not even preparing an outfit.

"I mean because I am always prepared for any funeral or just anything... so I was like, if I am not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I don't even want to have a dress ready," she said.

Michelle further emphasised that her decision was not just for her own peace of mind but also a lesson for her daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama.

She explained the importance of teaching them to set boundaries and prioritise their own needs.

"I want them to start practising now the art of saying no," she said, stressing that learning to say no is a muscle that needs constant practice, especially for women who often face criticism for putting themselves first.

This revelation comes barely a week after she directly addressed rumours that she and Barack were headed for divorce.

Watch the intriguing interview below:

In another episode of her podcast, Michelle discussed her and Barack's financial struggles early in their marriage.

She shared how they supported each other during challenging times before finding financial success.

Michelle also reflected on the balance between career ambitions and relationships, noting that focusing too much on a partner's financial success can sometimes overshadow deeper emotional connections and shared values.

She also revealed that when she married Barack, she had left her corporate job to follow a different path, despite Barack not being wealthy at the time.

Source: TUKO.co.ke