THE LOVE LAB

The President of the United States is, in theory, the ultimate Alpha Male. In America, this is the epitome of a socially dominant position, at least as far as appearances go (I would argue that the real power lies in the hands of other influential players).

In this sense, it is interesting to look at the females who get to monopolize the Modern Alpha Males (see post on The Modern Alpha Male).

The last three presidencies experienced some of the most intriguing first ladies, in fact the only three first ladies to hold postgraduate degrees:

Hillary Clinton - law school (JD)

Laura Bush - library science (MS) <----yes it counts

Michelle Obama - law school (JD)

These women also married their alpha males relatively late:

Hillary Clinton - 28

Laura Bush - 33! (although she obviously ages well)

Michelle Obama - 28

However, in Hillary's case it is premature to group her with the others since she didn't exactly 'monopolize' Bill. He continued philandering. Although this may happen with many marriages to alpha males, I am particularly unsure whether we can call this a monopoly since his indiscretion became so public. Thumbs down for public humiliation of alpha female partner - thumbs up for awesome multitasking skills!

But let's not steal the thunder from Barack and Michelle Obama!

Michelle and Obama met when she became his mentor at Sidley Austin (law firm) while he was a summer associate. This was in 1989 and they sealed the deal by 1992, 3 years later.  A very appropriate time course: meeting in 1989, engagement in 1991, and marriage a year later in 1992. Their respective ages were also very appropriate: Barack was 31 and Michelle was 28. His age falls nicely into the age bracket I specified in my post on "THE AGE A MAN SHOULD SETTLE DOWN". They were both well educated and on track for a successful career; they were equals and, as I mentioned in my ASK LOVELAB response to Tim (Tim Transfermo asks LOVELAB), healthy relationships are egalitarian in nature. The balance of power permeates in their demeanor, from the fist jabs to her candid remarks about him - they most certainly are a team.

Michelle and Obama had their first child 6 years after their marriage (in 1998); this was cutting it pretty close for Michelle reproductively. After 35, the risks for birth defects and other pregnancy complications increase and having a child at 34 the way Michelle Obama did was probably no easy task. It remains to be seen how their relationship will progress throughout his presidency, but given Barack Obama seems to fit into my description of the qualities a man should posess before he settles down, I think they are in good shape. Additionally, Michelle holds her own. Supposedly they still schedule date nights. Quality time and still having fun together is absolutely crucial to sustaining love; I hope they know the bit of research that advocates these type of activities to be NOVEL.

Good luck to them both =)

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