Michelle Obama's Valentine's Day Advice: Laughter Is Secret to Happy Marriage

Feb. 13, 2011— -- If you've ever wondered how President Obama and the first lady keep their relationship fresh after 19 years of marriage, two children, and several lengthy campaigns for political office, Michelle Obama has a simple answer for you: laughter.

"I think a lot of laughing," the first lady said in response to a reporter's question about the first couple's strong union, according to The Associated Press.

"I think in our house we don't take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage. So we still find ways to have fun together, and a lot of it is private and personal. But we keep each other smiling and that's good," she added.

She didn't hesitate to mention that the president is also a "very romantic" man, and while on "Live! With Regis and Kelly" last week, she detailed her husband's memory for special dates.

"He remembers dates, birthdays," the first lady said. "He doesn't forget a thing, even when I think he is ... I'll have a little attitude. I give him a little attitude, but he always comes through.

"Got to keep the romance alive, even in the White House," she added.

And what, you may also ask, is the first lady hoping the president gives her for Valentine's Day?

Jewelry.

"You can't go wrong," she said.

"We don't make a big deal out of Valentine's Day because my birthday was the 17th (of January)," she told Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, when questioned about what they have planned. "So by Feb. 14, we're kind of tired."

Michelle Obama's Valentine's Day Advice

Previous Valentine's Days celebrations by the Obamas included last year's night in at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, which was a contrast to 2009's trip home to Chicago where the couple dined at Table 52, a Southern food restaurant owned by Art Smith, former chef to Oprah Winfrey, a close friend of the Obamas.

She did not reveal just how the couple plans to spend the evening on Monday, so we'll just have to wait to find out what romantic surprises the president has in store for the first lady.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.