Michelle Obama is no stranger to criticism.
The former First Lady has faced her fair share of scrutiny.
Appearing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Obama spoke about telling her daughters why having great friends is essential to balance out critics. Malia is 27, and Sasha is 24.
”The value of cultivating friendships is important. It’s as important as the degree that you got in college, it’s as important as the job title and the salary, or the dude you’re trying to catch. Or the length of your veil on your wedding dress,” Obama told host Alexandra Cooper. “All that stuff comes and goes.”
Obama explained that choosing friends is a skill that we all must continue to develop.
”You’ve got to be smart and selective about who you let in,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to make friends, be open, stay open … We’re all going up this mountain together.
Obama then took some time to share how she handles public criticism from women.
It would hurt more coming from a woman because it’s like, ‘Wow, you know what we’re going through,” Obama explained. “But, here’s what helps me … in order to keep myself sane in the midst of this on all levels, I just try to wonder what’s going on in the mind of the person who can go there.
“We’re set up to feel badly about ourselves and then to turn against ourselves and then to turn on each other,” she explained. “I try to humanize my victimizer.”
She Is Still Vibrant At 62
Obama, who recently turned 62 years old on January 17, says she is “as vibrant as I’ve ever been.”
Taking to Instagram, she shared her gratitude for all the birthday messages she received.
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for sharing such incredibly sweet and thoughtful birthday messages over the weekend!” Obama wrote. “Your kindness—in every post, text, and call—truly made my day. Feeling so grateful and loved as I start this next year of life.”