Barack and Michelle Obama may no longer be reigning supreme in the White House, but the former President and First Lady will forever hold a place in our hearts – not least of all because of the love and respect they show to one another.

Indeed, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2011, Michelle explained that equality is the true secret to her and the former prez’s long and happy marriage (they tied the knot way back in 1992).

“It has to be a true partnership, and you have to really, really like and respect the person you’re married to because it is a hard road,” she said at the time. “I mean, that’s what I tell young couples.”

The Becoming author continued: “Don’t expect it to be easy, melding two lives and trying to raise others, and doing it forever. I mean that’s a recipe made for disaster, so there are highs and lows. But if in the end you can look him in the eye and say, ‘I like you,’ [then you’ve done a good job].”

Of course, this is all well and good – but it only works if you’ve already found the right person. Thankfully, though, Michelle has now dished some advice on what we should all be looking for in a long-term partner.

Michelle Obama recalls what first drew her to Barack, and we’d expect nothing less