Dear Michelle...

Through the ages, the role of the First Lady has been filled by some pretty iconic women. While my grandmother extolled the virtues of Eleanor Roosevelt, my Mom would would never let go of the steely resolve and epic style of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I was born into Nancy Reagan's era, but I was incredibly inspired by the intelligence and persistence of Hillary Clinton.

Now our current First Lady, Michelle Obama is covering the December issue of Glamour magazine and answering reader questions. She's no Carrie Bradshaw, but she offers some pretty sage advice about where and what to look for when it comes to matters of the heart and mind.

I feel like my generation is so lucky to have Michelle Obama. She combines all the amazing qualities of the aforementioned fine ladies with badass biceps. "Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good," she says.

When it comes to developing your path and having your needs met, she encourages young women to forge their own way: “I have always tried to put my kids first, and then ... put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I’ve learned from male role models is that they don’t hesitate to invest in themselves.” Amen, sister.

She also wants young women to focus on true role models, like parents and teachers, not celebrities.  "For me, role-modeling was immediate, it was touchable ... Children connect with who is in their lives, present and accounted for ..."

As simple as it sounds, it's obvious Michelle has taken her own advice. So what could go wrong? Heed her thoughts and become the not just the next First Lady, but the next President!

Photo courtesy of mikebaird@flickr.