Will You Be My BFF, Michelle Obama?

Dear Esteemed FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Esq.,

I watched your speech last night at the DNC, and I can safely say I'm pretty sure we would be the best of friends. I, too, hate Donald Trump. He’s the worst, right?! Except you were able to say it, without actually saying it, because you have class and restraint and you knew we would all understand what you meant when you talked about hateful speech.  

I also loved how you talked about your daughters. While I myself don’t have daughters, I *am* a daughter, so I get it. I was thinking, now that Malia will be headed to Harvard after her gap year and Sasha will be super busy with all her teenage stuff, you might want someone to hang with.  

Bonus! I live in Chicago, so when you guys come back to the Windy City, maybe we could set something up? A lot of cool restaurants and bars have opened since you've been away. I’ve read a lot of Time Outs in waiting rooms over these last 7 ½ years, so I got the 411 on all the hip new places. Are you into mixology? I bet not. You seem like a classic drink kind of lady, and I bet most cocktails have too much sugar for you-- which reminds me, I have an extra bib for the Pumpkins in The Park 5K race in October...if you want to run it with me. Let’s Move! LOL. You know, because that’s the name of your fitness initiative.

Shoot, I just remembered you'll still be in D.C. in October. That’s cool, because we’ve got lots of other things in common. I thought about going to law school--and you actually did it, which is way cooler--but I know you wouldn’t judge me. I also sometimes workout, hate bullies and love America. I actually had forgotten how much I loved America because some really shitty things have been happening lately, but when you talked about how this country is already great and no one needs to fix it, I felt like you were talking right TO me, saying I don’t need fixing and I’m great just the way I am.  

It’s too bad we never got the chance to meet when Barack (sorry, President Obama) was a senator here, because I remember when he was first running for president I thought, “Michelle is so cool; we should be friends," but then you guys moved to the White House. Last night when you mentioned it was built by slaves, I was super embarrassed I didn't know that, which made me examine my white privilege even more, which I know wasn't your primary point, but your speech worked on so many levels my brain was just like, !BOOM!

You are a true American treasure, and to me, you're not just FLOTUS. You are Michelle, esteemed lawyer, awesome mom, incredible wife, advocate for social justice, eloquent public speaker … and (hopefully) my new BFF.

In closing, I just want to say that when you're back in Chicago, I'd love to grab coffee with you and see where this goes. Also, you're amazing and I love you.

Your Friend,

Liz

P.S. Also, kudos on getting George W. to settle the fuck down back in Dallas. You’re like an old white man whisperer.

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Liz Reuss is a Chicago-based writer and actor.  Follow her @liz_reuss.