Michelle Obama recently shared some relationship advice that has certainly got people talking. In a recent podcast interview, the former First Lady expressed her thoughts on relationships, specifically about couples moving in together too soon.

Michelle, who has enjoyed a long-lasting marriage with former President Barack Obama since 1992, brought up the topic on her IMO podcast with Craig Robinson. She shared, “If it’s early in the relationship, you shouldn’t be moving in, first of all. I don’t care how much money he has or doesn’t have. Like, you don’t know him yet.”

She went on to explain her point of view: “Maybe this will be controversial, but I think you can have deep ‘like’ at first sight. However, love, in most instances—though there are exceptions—takes time for someone to truly reveal themselves to you. This is the only way you can know if your feelings will withstand the test of time.”

Michelle emphasized the importance of patience, saying, “There are so many tests you need in a relationship. But recommend, as always, take some time! Make moving in way down the line.”

Michelle’s perspective has divided people online. Some argued that living together provides the best way to truly understand a partner, with a Reddit user stating, “You truly get to know someone when you live together. Moving in together really does test a relationship for longevity, and it will either make or break it.”

Another commenter disagreed with Michelle, saying: “Yeah, I disagree with her advice tbh (once you’ve been dating for at least a year). If the relationship ends, yeah, it can be awkward and uncomfortable. But that’s life. You learn and you move on.”

Others expressed more practical challenges, with one comment mentioning the financial difficulties involved: “Yeah I don’t think even Michelle Obama understands this. I’ve been in the profoundly sh*tty situation of not being able to end a relationship because I simply would not have been able to afford to live on my own.”

On the other hand, some agreed with Michelle’s wisdom. One supporter noted, “She didn’t say to live alone. Your situation is not what she was talking about. She said don’t move in too quickly; that’s not the same as breaking up with someone you love.”

Another voice echoed the sentiment, advising, “If your #1 reason to move in is to save money, it’s the wrong decision.”

They suggested, “If you need someone to share a rent with, try to find a roommate. That’s better than bringing romance into a mix.”

Yet another input was, “Don’t move in to save on rent… but move in to get to know the person. You miss red flags while dating that you just can’t ignore when you’re living together.”

Some emphasized, “Yes, moving in together ‘to save $$$’ is the worst reason for a couple. It should be because you hate being apart.”

Ultimately, another shared the view that, “You don’t move in to get to know each other… you move in together because you’ve gotten to know each other already and based on what you’ve learned, you want to explore the next step which is cohabitation.”

Where do you find yourself in this debate? It’s certainly a topic that invites much reflection and personal experience.