I find it quite offensive that in all these months I have never seen an article about the difference in age between Melania and Donald Trump when it is almost exactly the same age difference as that between the Macrons.
92
The French have always been more liberal about sex and relationships, so as unusual as this couple may be, it seems to be working. Some may not understand his youthful determination to win her heart. I do. It shows he has an open mind and self-confidence. Best wishes to them, and to France. Amour vivant!
35
Women like me (dumpy & 70) dislike Mme. Macron. Why? We're jealous! What's not to hate? She's thin, chic, and has a young, hot husband.
30
Its not only weird but creepy as well. In the US she would have been be charged with "you know what".
10
Cue the intemperate and dubiously sincere gushing about how wonderful Ms. Macron looks at "a certain age."
a) Who cares how she looks? Why are an older woman's looks the first thing many people address in response to a case like this?
b) She looks like a wrinkled grandma to me -- and that's fine, why wouldn't she? She's in her mid-60s.
A woman can be a good marriage partner without being "hot" or nubile. Liberals especially should know better than to get hung up on her looks in a case like this.
a) Who cares how she looks? Why are an older woman's looks the first thing many people address in response to a case like this?
b) She looks like a wrinkled grandma to me -- and that's fine, why wouldn't she? She's in her mid-60s.
A woman can be a good marriage partner without being "hot" or nubile. Liberals especially should know better than to get hung up on her looks in a case like this.
21
At the final U.S. Presidential debate, Hillary Clinton was asked if she could say something positive about Donald Trump and she responded that he has children who are devoted to him. Imagine if she had added: "And if I had five children by three husbands I wouldn't be standing here."
The double standards of sexism in our respective societies is abhorrent and needs to be called out.
On the other hand...comparing Melania Trump (or any other First Lady) to Eleanor Roosevelt is fair game.
Vive le Macrons!
The double standards of sexism in our respective societies is abhorrent and needs to be called out.
On the other hand...comparing Melania Trump (or any other First Lady) to Eleanor Roosevelt is fair game.
Vive le Macrons!
49
I'm thrilled! I wrote a pilot about a 40-year-old woman about to date a 26-year-old man, and a network exec. shot it down instantly calling their relationship, "depressing".
19
* Plus ca change, plus c'est la mere chose. *
3
Au revoir, "La Marseillaise": bonjour, "La Mere d'Stacy"*!
* French for "Stacy's Mom".
* French for "Stacy's Mom".
3
So, the inverse is acceptable as well: a 15 year old girl lusting after a 39 year old married man with children who is her drama teacher. Perhaps Roman Polanski comes to mind. The blatant hypocrisy of the accepting tone of the article and the "yeah, you go girl" attitide of the 60 year old, so called feminists, is appalling. The initial relationship is an abuse of power which should have been disciplined and forbidden. It has destroyed a marriage. (Are there any marriage attorneys willing to sue Ms Macron on behalf of the father of her 3 children, including 2 daughters? Those who countenance this relationship should have no quarrel with the 39 year old man who has an affair with a 15 year old girl.
20
My guess? He wouldn't have come close to where he is now without her. Lucky boy.
It's none of my business, and it certainly should not be anyone else's business, either, let alone a once reputable publication. Isn't this something People Weekly would cover?
8
When it comes to affairs of the heart, France is the world's superpower.
I am reminded of the great author, Honore de Balzac who responded to the love of his life who found out that he was having an affair by writing "I was making love to you through her."
I am reminded of the great author, Honore de Balzac who responded to the love of his life who found out that he was having an affair by writing "I was making love to you through her."
10
It is creepy.
5
The age of consent in France is 15. It has been that age since 1945. Before then the French had the age of consent at 13. Interesting.
This obviously reflects overall French attitudes toward the sexual lives of teenagers--most French people believe that teenagers are mature enough to understand their needs and desires, even when they fulfill those needs and desires with a much older person. More importantly, the age of consent is set by the majority of voters through the National Assembly. If the majority of voters in France have had the age of consent at 15 for more than 70 years, then it's their cultural and legal prerogative to do so.
This is all to say that American commenters tut-tutting and even being horrified by the comportment of Ms. Macron when her future husband was in his late teens are really missing something here. They're using their own highly puritanical lens--with their need to infantilize 20-somethings, not to mention fully-mature teenagers--to pass moral judgment on a people with different values and ethics.
The French obviously think that people over the age of 15 are fully developed sexually. That is a healthier attitude to take on this issue. One result is that French parents and society can then be more candid about sex with teenagers, which results in fewer abortions and teen-moms per capita when compared to the US. So please get over yourselves and stop passing such harsh judgment on a culture with which you are clearly not very familiar.
This obviously reflects overall French attitudes toward the sexual lives of teenagers--most French people believe that teenagers are mature enough to understand their needs and desires, even when they fulfill those needs and desires with a much older person. More importantly, the age of consent is set by the majority of voters through the National Assembly. If the majority of voters in France have had the age of consent at 15 for more than 70 years, then it's their cultural and legal prerogative to do so.
This is all to say that American commenters tut-tutting and even being horrified by the comportment of Ms. Macron when her future husband was in his late teens are really missing something here. They're using their own highly puritanical lens--with their need to infantilize 20-somethings, not to mention fully-mature teenagers--to pass moral judgment on a people with different values and ethics.
The French obviously think that people over the age of 15 are fully developed sexually. That is a healthier attitude to take on this issue. One result is that French parents and society can then be more candid about sex with teenagers, which results in fewer abortions and teen-moms per capita when compared to the US. So please get over yourselves and stop passing such harsh judgment on a culture with which you are clearly not very familiar.
72
It is absolutely abhorrent that a 15 year old who has fantasies about his teacher coaxes her out of her married life. That she happens to be older than him is only incidental to this story and not something to be celebrated. His relentless pursuit of his married teacher is not a thing to be admired but something to be loathed. There are plenty of men who marry women who are older than them and do it without destroying families or upsetting a student teacher relationship. If you are going to pivot to the other side of the age debate and want to find something laudable, this is definitely not it.
My regard for Emanuel Macron has fallen enormously as a result of this story. Sure, he broke the mold - in more ways than one. As for Mrs. Macron, I certainly don't wish a teacher like that on my 13 year old son. Good riddance to such types.
My regard for Emanuel Macron has fallen enormously as a result of this story. Sure, he broke the mold - in more ways than one. As for Mrs. Macron, I certainly don't wish a teacher like that on my 13 year old son. Good riddance to such types.
13
You people defending their love story are absolutely right. Now, I'm going to go spend a little alone time with your 15 year old daughter or niece, maybe even celebrate my 40th birthday together, and if anyone criticizes our age difference I'll use the arguments in this comment section, such as "Why should anyone care about the age difference?" and "It's a love story!" and "We're happy and in love. Who could ask for more? Leave us alone."
Glad we cleared this up. In fact, I just might become an instructor to have free access to all the love.
Glad we cleared this up. In fact, I just might become an instructor to have free access to all the love.
13
She's a pretty hot cougar. I can understand what he sees in her.
12
Cougar? Really Mr. Luettgen? I am shocked.
9
Yeah, because that would be about all she has to offer, right? Hotness or lack thereof. It'd be nice if we left the cougars to wild, the sexist banter to the garbage bin, and let women be human beings. Crazy talk, I know...
24
This would be a non story if the genders were reversed. Look at the many, many men (including our current President) who marry women much younger than themselves. It's not even just the "rich and famous" - this happens frequently at all strata of society and no once thinks twice about it. Society has not problem with older men thinking they should and can desire a younger partner, but women are treated differently. I'm glad to see the Macron's have a good marriage and I hope that people will appreciate the fact that his youthful infatuation was apparently real. I say good for them.
45
Newt Gingrich's first wife was his high school geometry teacher, remember?
21
Hmm. Popular culture celebrates the long and happy relationship of Celine Dion and her late husband/manager, René Angélil. When they started working together she was 12 and he was 38; it reportedly became physical when she turned 19. I doubt that they didn't realize the nature of her attraction until the magic moment she became older than 18.
Ms Macron honorably insisted Mr Macron go away to school and presumably, grow up and forget about her. Again, the relationship apparently didn't become physical until he was of age. She was clearly no predator. She's actually very beautiful, savvy, and forthright; in terms of physical appearance they're better matched than Dion and Angelil. More important, like the singer's the relationship has lasted apparently happily a long, long time -- no doubt longer and happier than the marriages of many of the critics here.
Nobody seems to have broken any laws here. The happiness police need to give it a rest.
Ms Macron honorably insisted Mr Macron go away to school and presumably, grow up and forget about her. Again, the relationship apparently didn't become physical until he was of age. She was clearly no predator. She's actually very beautiful, savvy, and forthright; in terms of physical appearance they're better matched than Dion and Angelil. More important, like the singer's the relationship has lasted apparently happily a long, long time -- no doubt longer and happier than the marriages of many of the critics here.
Nobody seems to have broken any laws here. The happiness police need to give it a rest.
52
In America, she would be put in prison. Then we elect Trump
11
For what ?
4
Relax ... it's France, after all. Vive la difference.
13
The French: Not so good at fighting Nazis, but they do know how to live.
16
Of course you knew no one who fought in the resistance. They were terrific fighters. They fought Nazi's long before America got into the war. And yes, in addition, they do know how to live.
13
I am jealous of France.
26
Say what you like French women know how to use it and don't worry what anyone else thinks.
They appear happy - good for them.
They appear happy - good for them.
32
Why does his personal choice of a mate threaten so many people ?
They don't believe in freedom of choice ,only conformity.Look at yourself not others see where your prejudices originate.
They don't believe in freedom of choice ,only conformity.Look at yourself not others see where your prejudices originate.
27
thank you
5
I have nothing to say about the age difference. Nothing. Or that fact that French are smug arseholes. Good luck to the new leader of France, and his wife.
5
Why is this even a topic that should be written about. Who cares and whose business is it. When will society grow up?
19
I would like to know how the NYT and fellow readers would feel if genders were swapped. A 39 year old man and a 15 year old girl. Would you all be as enthusiastic and supportive?
Yeah. Exactly. So why the hypocrisy?
Yeah. Exactly. So why the hypocrisy?
15
Because there IS a difference and if you can't see it without being shown, you'll never get it.
5
Donald Trump is 70, wife #3 is 49. Age difference: 21.
5
Anyone who thinks Macron is just an ordinary guy needs to have his head examined.
21
Fellow Americans, a little less righteous indignation please? 'Judge not, that ye not be judged'.
14
The age difference between the Macron is pretty similar to Trump and Melania, yet the comments here are much more judgmental!
23
So tell me that story again. How did Trump and Melania fall in love? And would you believe that story? FAKE NEWS!
4
Why is the age difference even a topic of conversation?
Their age difference is almost exactly the same as the age difference between Melania and Donald Trump (23 years).
Their age difference is almost exactly the same as the age difference between Melania and Donald Trump (23 years).
10
The age difference is irrelevant. What is relevant is the fact that a 39-year old high school teacher and married mother of three decided to play house with her 15-year old student. I don't want to seem narrow minded, but Frankly I can sure understand while little Emanuel's parents weren't thrilled...
14
Regardless of what you believe or suspect (both highly subjective points of view), they have both said that Macron went off to school and they did not consummate their relationship until he was of age.
5
Quit being so judgmental folks. Does their relationship truly matter here?
Will Macron keep France on the right track is much more important. The right track entails staying in the EU and solving the Muslim/immigration issues in France.
Will Macron keep France on the right track is much more important. The right track entails staying in the EU and solving the Muslim/immigration issues in France.
13
So tell us again: Why is "staying in the EU" the right track?
A 15 year old boy starts out to undermine the marriage of his 25 year old teacher, married 3 children, husband.
She accedes to the temptation , divorces husband..
Is that cause for celebration ?
She accedes to the temptation , divorces husband..
Is that cause for celebration ?
15
I fail to see how any of this is anyone's business but their own.
27
If you have certain spiritual beliefs like many do, this story takes on a different overtone. I can believe that a boy of 15 would recognize something beyond a school boy crush upon meeting and knowing a woman many years his senior.
If that boy is smart and mature and knows what he wants he can do what is required and still be drawn to someone years later after separation and interference. That it seems real to him is all that's needed to comply with whatever 'rules' have been set down.
Love is more than attraction. It is many things that connect someone to another. Having a life partner who is older doesn't detract from the commitment they feel. It is possible and it is real to those who experience it.
They've done well together and they are still together. That is what matters.
If that boy is smart and mature and knows what he wants he can do what is required and still be drawn to someone years later after separation and interference. That it seems real to him is all that's needed to comply with whatever 'rules' have been set down.
Love is more than attraction. It is many things that connect someone to another. Having a life partner who is older doesn't detract from the commitment they feel. It is possible and it is real to those who experience it.
They've done well together and they are still together. That is what matters.
20
They are a lovely couple. Trump and Melania strike me both as classic opportunists. What's in it for me? The Macrons strike me as soul mates. A toast their success.
42
How many teachers here in the US are in jail for having allowed such a relationship with their middle school students. And France voted for this kid!
8
They didn't consummate their relationship, whatever that was, until he was beyond legal age. That's the difference.
4
Marriage is the ultimate example of a "case-by-case basis." Period. If it works for them, then that's it; it's no one else's call, and no one else's business, except their own.
12
Well, except for statutory rape. I don't know what French law says about this, but the fact that she made it a point to say that they did not have a "carnal relationship" back then suggests some sort of prohibition on the French books.
2
Or perhaps a little fudging of the truth?
5
Apparently the age of consent in France is 15. School teachers are forbidden to have relations with students until the student reaches the age of 18.
2
Why the prurient interest in a marriage between consenting adults? Older men have been marrying much younger women since time immemorial. Couples divorce and families break-up and reform. No need to sit in judgement about a marriage that merely reverses the older-man younger-woman paradigm. Get over it.
13
So if a 15 year old girl starts dating her 39 year old male instructor that's alright as long as they marry after she turns 18?
5
So I guess they don't have "Amber Alerts" in France?
Reminds me of the 14 year old TN girl that recently ran off with her 50 teacher.
He's going to jail, not the French palace.
Reminds me of the 14 year old TN girl that recently ran off with her 50 teacher.
He's going to jail, not the French palace.
10
She did not run off with him. She actually saw his initial attraction to her as a boy crush and encouraged him to go away and reconsider...but they continued to talk. He persisted, remained committed and came back for more...and actually wanted to marry her...and did so at 30 years of age. They might have consummated when he was 19 or 21 (old enough in France). There was no kidnapping, running off and not telling parents, etc. which is what the moron in Tennessee was doing That man was a loser and a predator. Know the difference, and the fact that so many in the US cannot see the stark difference shows how backward the US is.
28
"If the ages were reversed, her defenders pointed out, no one would have blinked an eye."
Things must be different in France but here in the States any 15 year old boy or girl who starts a relationship with a 39 year old married teacher either male or female is not going to be regarded well. That being said I could care less about their respective ages once both were 21 (or at the very least 18) and glad that the marriage seems to work.
Things must be different in France but here in the States any 15 year old boy or girl who starts a relationship with a 39 year old married teacher either male or female is not going to be regarded well. That being said I could care less about their respective ages once both were 21 (or at the very least 18) and glad that the marriage seems to work.
7
Remind's me of "My Night at Maud's" with the romantic and intellectual overtones of an Éric Rohmer movie.
3
That is a great film.
2
I know a wonderful couple who are just like the Macrons! He is eight years younger than her. They have a wonderful marriage of over 25 years! And my paternal grandfather was married to a woman 20 years younger than he! She was my grandmother and they were happily married, had four children. As long as BOTH are adults....live and let live!
Grow up, people!
Grow up, people!
15
If you were the parent of a 15 year old (either gender) and they expressed an infatuation with a 39 year old married teacher at their high school so strong they they openly committed to break up the marriage so that they could, themselves marry the now divorced teacher, how would you react and how would you expect the school's administration to react?
10
But that's not what happened. He expressed hi s love for her to his parents who sent him to an out-of-town school. He came back years later ant they got together. The facts are important.
1
"...they they openly committed to break up the marriage..." That's a very hostile interpretation. And they didn't marry until he was 30.
2
Wait she is going to be like a rock star in France. The new Marianne the national symbol, a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty. We don't need an other great man, we need kindness and love today that only a woman can symbolize.
2
Good for both of them. They did it the right way.
2
Outsiders should never (ever) presume to intrude on the intimacies that make a marriage. It is quite enough for me to wish them well and leave them to it, in admiration.
We could use a little of that worldly, mature French perspective and joie-de-vivre amidst our domestic tskers and cluckers. And then a lot more of it.
Marchons!
8
Since it requires sanction (a marriage license), society has a right, even an obligation, to set standards.
1
Her name is not Brigitte Macron, it is Brigitte Trogneaux. She has always used her maiden name.
12
Thank you very much for this correction. I am surprised that the Times did not realize that. Good catch Susan.
6
I believe that what underlies negative comments about age-discrepant relationships is the belief that the older person, who is perceived as physically worn out, must be preying on the younger person. In other words, the older person is not sexy, sexual, physically attractive, or desirable, compared to the younger. So the younger is either vulnerable to a predator or is after financial gain ("a gold digger"). The time is long past for putting this not-subtle ageism at rest. The many positive responses to the French president's marriage indicates a beginning, but how often do people applaud the older woman/younger man (or older man/younger man, older woman/younger woman) relationship in the U.S.?
11
It isn't ageism to expect people to act increasingly mature as they age.
1
Finally someone on the spot light to normalize the age gap relationship, when the woman is older. I am in such relationship for 6 years, 26 years older then my live in boyfriend and is not yet accepted by society. Everyone seems to count the minutes for your relationship to end. People doubt love and keep analyzing the relationship to find out why. Unlike men who are socially accepted to flash they young wives, and that usually is interpreted as a powerful, lucky man, a woman must keep quiet, because often we are called offensive names such a cougar, M. Robinson and even laugh at. So most the time we keep quiet. I just hope their relationship will bright a light in the millions of similar couples who need to be respected.
47
This double standard is brutal. First, if genders were reversed no one would be complaining. If it were 15 year-old girl having a romantic relationship with a 39 year-old I'm sure there would be some acceptable explanation for it. Not to mention a 63 year-old man with a 39 year-old woman. Oops...is that the age of America's current President and First Lady?
Yes, a relationship between a 15 year-old boy with a 39 year-old woman is very unusual and should not be taken lightly. It can be a dangerous emotional slippery slope. His parents understood it so they made a deal with him: we're sending you to Paris and if in 2 or 3 years both of you still want to be in a relationship, fine. He was mature enough to understand that was what had to be done and he kept his promise. From what I've read, he was a 15 or 16 year-old with an emotional and intellectual intelligence of a 20 year-old. He was obviously much more mature than the usual bunch. I think it's admirable that both of them kept their word, respected the law and actually didn't see each other to make sure it wasn't just an infatuation, that this was something they really wanted. He even asked her daughters if they were okay with him marrying their mother. All this respect and good judgement is so rare in adults nowadays. Much happiness for them! I admire this couple and find him a breath of fresh air on many levels. Stop the hypocrisy. That's how modern love and family looks like.
Yes, a relationship between a 15 year-old boy with a 39 year-old woman is very unusual and should not be taken lightly. It can be a dangerous emotional slippery slope. His parents understood it so they made a deal with him: we're sending you to Paris and if in 2 or 3 years both of you still want to be in a relationship, fine. He was mature enough to understand that was what had to be done and he kept his promise. From what I've read, he was a 15 or 16 year-old with an emotional and intellectual intelligence of a 20 year-old. He was obviously much more mature than the usual bunch. I think it's admirable that both of them kept their word, respected the law and actually didn't see each other to make sure it wasn't just an infatuation, that this was something they really wanted. He even asked her daughters if they were okay with him marrying their mother. All this respect and good judgement is so rare in adults nowadays. Much happiness for them! I admire this couple and find him a breath of fresh air on many levels. Stop the hypocrisy. That's how modern love and family looks like.
11
I'm trying to imagine NYT commenters or people anywhere looking fondly on a 39 year old man who put the moves on his 15 year old female student.
Can't do it.
What's done is done now but this isn't something that is normal or should be celebrated.
Can't do it.
What's done is done now but this isn't something that is normal or should be celebrated.
11
Read the story. He pursued her. She tried to talk him out of it. They sent him to Paris. After that, he still wanted her. What's wrong with that?
5
She didn't "put the moves on" him. Read the article.
4
You Americans are such prudes. Get over it.
19
Interesting that the French are suddenly bemused, when they're usually known for shrugging over sensational revelations in the personal lives of government figures.
They're used to shrugging their shoulders over things they've seen a million times. This is new for them. After living there for 25 years, I can tell you that the French are deeply conservative - not in general political terms, but personally, in wanting the things they know well to continue. Older men with younger women - nothing new, so fine. This - new, and worthy of comment.
6
I really can't believe that a mature, adult woman would take seriously a young man who liked her when he was a teenager. What could they have had in common at the start? She must have really wanted out of her marriage.
15
Agreed...however; I see as I am in my 60's, most men my age are boorish mansplainers..younger men are fun!!!
5
You may also want to consider that he may already have had in him the qualities which brought him to the French presidency.
9
It's called sex. I they are happy it is their business, not ours.
1
If this had happened in the US, Mrs. Macron would be in jail, Mr. Macron would be a pariah, there would be a couple Lifetime movies and Netflix documentaries about it, and M. Le Pen would be president. Which country's handling of the whole thing is better?
15
Really ... look who we have for our President in the U.S.
12
She did NOT have a sexual relationship with him while he was in high school. They married when he was 29. Nowhere in this article said she broke any laws, so where did you get the idea that she would be in jail? You need to simply read the article and not have your understanding of it clouded by your own personal biases. Oh, and judging from all the inane reactions like yours, certainly the French handles the "whole thing " much better- including picking of an intelligent,erudite, well-read, well -prepared candidate to lead their country. Just to remind you,- we picked a crotch grabbing (for which he was not jailed, nor was he treated as a pariah), pathological liar who is proud to say he doesn't read at all.
4
I think that's what Maria LB meant - if over-handle things badly, and we get bad results.
1
I'm always surprised at how uptight my fellow Americans are about sex. Reading the NYT's "picks" here, there is certainly a lot of judgment about with whom we should fall in love and when.
29
I do wonder about the mother-son angle. Some men like that.
6
As I am even as an old man attracted to all women, I can see why this young man was wild over this woman, intelligent, beautiful and helpful. Like Mr Macron I am still in love with my wife. I do feel sorry for her first spouse.
22
years later, I be he's moved on. Marriages don't have to last forever to be successful. Do you feel sorry for Marla Maples???
4
Whatever floats your boat!
9
I am happy Macron won considering who the opposition was. He has never held elective office, so no one knows how he will govern. The age difference doesn't really matter, but what is a bit creepy is that she was a teacher in his school. I find it equally creepy whether male or female teachers engage in relationships with students because students are so susceptible to forming an attachment to any person at the front of a class (or in charge of a theatre club.) So it is creepy to me, but in France they seem to have a more laissez-faire view of romance and adultery.
5
They didn't have a sexual relationship until he was much older.
What can I say? One look at the photo of this article made me exclaim, "Wow! She looks happy and great!" At 48 myself, I think she looks much better than me, and good for her! You go girl!!!
(There must be a reason Macron pursued her. Why can't we see their relationship that way? And accept it?)
Who cares how old he was back when they met, how old she is now that they are the presidential couple? If the genders were reversed, no one would have batted an eye. They're just happy as a couple, and that's that!
(There must be a reason Macron pursued her. Why can't we see their relationship that way? And accept it?)
Who cares how old he was back when they met, how old she is now that they are the presidential couple? If the genders were reversed, no one would have batted an eye. They're just happy as a couple, and that's that!
34
If the genders were reversed no one would have batted an eye??? If a 39 year old married man was pursuing a 15 year old girl no one would have batted an eye??? Suuuuurrrrreeeee!
4
She's a helluva lot better looking at this age than our illegitimate POTUS Trump who is married to a much much much younger woman who is a mere armpiece.
33
I'm moving to France!
37
To my shame I read this puff piece. I don't much care about the spouses, or other relatives, of politicians so long as they obey the law and don't steal from the Treasury. In this case, NYT is reporting on a guy with little political experience who got voted in because he barely survived the first round and he isn't Marine LePen. Nobody knows what he will, or can, do. In France, they call him Mr. Macaroon. Let's stop with the Page Six gossip and start looking at his policies and achievements, if any.
22
Bravo Joan! I totally concur.
8
Did you feel the same way when people voted for Trump? Have you looked at his policies and achievements? Aren't we, the pot, calling the kettle black?
2
1. Yes.
2. The policies are awful and there are no achievements.
3. Both the pot and the kettle are black.
2. The policies are awful and there are no achievements.
3. Both the pot and the kettle are black.
1
And if it was an older man and a younger woman, no one would blink. Regardless of whether he had been her teacher.
13
I disagree. If it were a 39-year old male teacher and 15-year old female student, we'd be calling it criminal, instead of odd and "quaint."
16
He was 15 and she was 39, when they met. They were both consenting adults when they began a relationship. Quite different!
1
I think many men--of any age--would be thrilled to be with a woman as loyal, elegant and intelligent--as Brigitte Macron. What a wonderful influence she has had on her husband! Today Macron announced for the first time in French history that there will be an even number of female candidates in the legislative elections--214 to be exact--as there are men. It's the United States that's behind the curve!
Brigitte Macron is an outstanding educator and saw the intellectual force and mental energy of her husband, and encouraged it to flourish, while she also blossomed in ways she never imagined. Look at her! She is beautiful, polished, and totally supportive of her husband. What is Melania doing while her husband threatens the news media, the FBI and the rest of the planet? She's holed up in the Trump penthouse in NYC! Vive la France! Vive la Différence!
Brigitte Macron is an outstanding educator and saw the intellectual force and mental energy of her husband, and encouraged it to flourish, while she also blossomed in ways she never imagined. Look at her! She is beautiful, polished, and totally supportive of her husband. What is Melania doing while her husband threatens the news media, the FBI and the rest of the planet? She's holed up in the Trump penthouse in NYC! Vive la France! Vive la Différence!
47
I cannot begin to express how refreshing this is.
In contrast to the insecure ego- obsession of many American men with younger women as an inept way of propping up their inadequacies, the French once again demonstrate their wisdom in so many things. Their wines are superior to California's and their men look for many more and complex attributes in women. Their eyes and minds and hearts are more open to the possibilities of relationship, and they are not hampered due to lack of self-confidence by convention. You may call this a generalization, but it is demonstrated amply through French history and literature.
As an American woman who has had several affaires de coeur with younger (American) men I know that they happen. If you let them.
I find it moronic that anyone would find this "creepy" but not older men with younger women. Yesterday I heard a 40 ish lesbian woman telling her friend that her father is 20 years older than her mother, and that she has always found it "annoying." I could hear the repression of anger in her voice. I'm sure she finds it much more than annoying.
In contrast to the insecure ego- obsession of many American men with younger women as an inept way of propping up their inadequacies, the French once again demonstrate their wisdom in so many things. Their wines are superior to California's and their men look for many more and complex attributes in women. Their eyes and minds and hearts are more open to the possibilities of relationship, and they are not hampered due to lack of self-confidence by convention. You may call this a generalization, but it is demonstrated amply through French history and literature.
As an American woman who has had several affaires de coeur with younger (American) men I know that they happen. If you let them.
I find it moronic that anyone would find this "creepy" but not older men with younger women. Yesterday I heard a 40 ish lesbian woman telling her friend that her father is 20 years older than her mother, and that she has always found it "annoying." I could hear the repression of anger in her voice. I'm sure she finds it much more than annoying.
20
The difference in the Macrons' ages (about 24 years) is about the same as the difference between Mr. & Mrs. Trump's (about 28). Yet I hear no one describing that relationship as abnormal.
36
I love it. I will be watching them closely. None of this "age issue" that some folks seem to have would be an issue if he was 24 years older than she. End of story.
17
What's the problem??? They obviously have a happy and long-standing relationship, which is a lot more than most can say -- plus, she looks great!
Really. Would anybody go to so much bother if it were an older man with a younger wife?
End of story.
Really. Would anybody go to so much bother if it were an older man with a younger wife?
End of story.
24
If you read Balzac, Stendhal or Flaubert, not to mention literary masterpieces from other European countries, you will discover that love stories in which a younger man falls with great devotion for an older woman are not at all unusual. These themes recur in the great literary works of Europe precisely because such romantic attachments are not at all rare. For millennia now, many families of all socioeconomic backgrounds have viewed their children as opportunities to form useful alliances; daughters, especially young daughters, were traditionally told whom to marry, or whom not to marry. Young brides were valued only for the fact that they had a longer reproductive life ahead of them & therefore, presumably, provided more chances to breed sons. Sons were clearly preferred in most societies, always. It was, in fact, one of the key achievements of European authors, from Shakespeare's 'R&J' to Balzac's 'Courtesans' that we all started to question whether a loveless marriage was at all advantageous. Film & TV have largely chosen to showcase more conventional pairs. The Macrons are a breath of fresh air that may also help dispel this unjust lie: it is not the relative years that matter, but the quality of the connection between two intellects & two souls. Compatibility defies & transcends pedestrian expectations. EM was an adult who knew his mind when he chose BT over all others as his soulmate.Time has proved him right! This striking pair radiates warmth, grace, wit, kindness.
37
It's not the age difference that matters; it's the relationship. Does anyone think Trump and Melania have the same kind of mutually supportive, mature, balanced relationship? Does anyone thing they can even stand each other?
The Macrons are by all accounts deeply in love; they care about and support each other. Their relationship has endured for a quarter century in the face of criticism and sniping. More power to them.
The Macrons are by all accounts deeply in love; they care about and support each other. Their relationship has endured for a quarter century in the face of criticism and sniping. More power to them.
61
Great example--the contrast is glaring.
16
Whether 15 or 30, Macron could not have become involved with a married woman unless there were already serious problems with that woman's marriage that would have allowed anyone else in. Only a few people know the real truth, and outside critics should remain silent.
24
Good for them! To each his or her own....
20
More and more I can see that America has a misogyny problem. I never felt that until recently. The US Presidential race put it front and center, and since Trump won I see it clearly on social media. FOX news. Attacks on strong women. Threats even. Excusing away women's right to contraception. Excusing away women's right to prenatal healthcare even. Women shut out of the room to debate the healthbill. Then we have the comments here about the Macrons. I don't know how I missed it for so long.
40
I don't know either. It's been there for a forever time.
Why in the world does anyone care about an elected official's spouse, if he/she even has one? Did anyone vote for FDR because of Eleanor, or Lincoln because of Mary? To ask the question is to answer it.
Time to grow up, folks.
Time to grow up, folks.
24
Not being grown up is America's main problem.
22
In the U.S. we give more importance to a 15 year old boy having a relationship with an older woman than if the boy smokes pot or uses drugs.
Strange form of puritanism!
Strange form of puritanism!
12
The thought that one should give up their soul mate because of what others think of their relationship is nonsense.
They've been a couple for decades. They clearly love and respect each other. They've dealt with curiosity, ridicule, family anxiety, children and stepchildren, and all the things that go on in relationships and have survived.
I think they're darned lucky.
They've been a couple for decades. They clearly love and respect each other. They've dealt with curiosity, ridicule, family anxiety, children and stepchildren, and all the things that go on in relationships and have survived.
I think they're darned lucky.
37
Can anyone imagine if Ms. Macron was, dare I say, unattractive?
This would be a whole different story.
This would be a whole different story.
19
. . . not to mention if she was rich.
7
I think I read that she is from a wealthy family.
She is lovely. This is a great story. Macron is the first President of France who is not going to stalk women and promote their husband in the administration to keep them quiet. This is a reform in itself, his first.
108
C'est la Vie.
If the case be that leadership and governance skills are, in part, a reflection of the individual relationships that one pursues and maintains in life - then by all appearances, Mr. Macron has done well. Refreshingly so in Ms. Macron - in their un-stereotypical, dynamic and unaffected by detractors partnership.
Which may go a long way in explaining the current leadership crisis here in the U.S.
If the case be that leadership and governance skills are, in part, a reflection of the individual relationships that one pursues and maintains in life - then by all appearances, Mr. Macron has done well. Refreshingly so in Ms. Macron - in their un-stereotypical, dynamic and unaffected by detractors partnership.
Which may go a long way in explaining the current leadership crisis here in the U.S.
11
Well... all other things being said, they've been together 24'ish years. I share many of the "concerns", but after 24 years there is every indication the relationship is definitely not just physical. Living by "one size its all" rules is an excellent way to ruin one's life. There are plenty of cases of 15 year olds who demonstrate the maturity of 39 year olds, and probably even more cases of 39 year olds (and even at least one case of a 70 year old) who demonstrate the maturity of 15 year olds. I learned to not jump to conclusions.
34
How refreshing!
14
Mrs. Macron will always be able to look up much longer than President Macron looks down. Considering what we have going on here in America, France is one lucky country for this to be an issue.
13
I guess one way to not let your much younger husband wander is to have the physique of a 29 year old.
9
Or to be a good, loving and intelligent person.
3
In the US, we jail teachers who start affairs with their 15 year old students. We don't call them sophisticated. If the teacher were a man and the student a woman, would you feel the same?
17
She didn't have an affair with a 15 year old. Read the stories & hold the venom.
And he wasn't her student. They married when he was 29.
And he wasn't her student. They married when he was 29.
20
Really? This comment regarding two consenting adults made it through the nyt sensors? Macron is president of France, not a victim of predation.
10
I respect the French...they are so much more culturally mature than the U.S. Imagine, a President with an older wife and who doesn't merely see a wife as eye candy.
31
I'm assuming all the barely literate negative comments on here are from all the Vladimirs who failed in their attempts to turn the election their way to the loathsome nationalist.
35
So many reasons to love her.
34
Great piece, warm even touching. Even after 35 years here I find the moralizing comments from fellow readers disturbing. In his book "The God Delusion" Richard Dawkins asserts that "anyone sending their children to Sunday school should be thrown in jail for child abuse". I always found this extreme. There is nothing wrong in giving a moral compass to kids. However, these comments and the deafening silence of "conservatives" in the face of the US serious political moral crisis makes me revisit my skepticism. Are we brained washed into moral hubris here?
23
Sending kids to Sunday school is not giving them a 'moral compass,' but indoctrination. Dawkins is correct!
8
Depends on the Sunday school.
3
She's so cute. Is that inappropriate to say about a women in her mid sixties?
23
Cute, verging on hot. ;-)
9
Only if you wouldn't say the same thing about a 60 yo man with a wife half his age...
6
Honestly Mr. Calvey, I think she's gorgeous ESPECIALLY because she IS in her mid sixties. She has that WOW factor going.
9
It is amazing that no one talks about the difference in age for our own " not my President" and his wife , but are so fast judging the French couple. At least the French Couple look like a real couple and both look very happy and comfortable with each other. Get real everyone , look at our own house first before you talk about anyone else
62
What does "a very small town in Orleans" mean? Was it Orleans, or a small town near Orleans? Fact checking, anyone?
Joseph Harriss, Paris
Joseph Harriss, Paris
7
Would we look as admiringly at this couple if he'd been 39 and she was 15 when the relationship started?
14
How about Trump, he is 70 and Melanie is 45?! About the same age difference. IF you read the article you would have learned that they did not begin their relationship until they were...both consenting adults!!
4
Sacré Emmanuel!
He may well be the best that happened to France in a very long time. A teenager who tells his teacher - after she insisted in moves to Paris to finish his school - that he will do so but come back and marry her, might have what it takes to renew this fallen behind country.
The start looks intersting. Good luck!
He may well be the best that happened to France in a very long time. A teenager who tells his teacher - after she insisted in moves to Paris to finish his school - that he will do so but come back and marry her, might have what it takes to renew this fallen behind country.
The start looks intersting. Good luck!
35
I am so jealous and covet this couple for our Whit House. If only?
27
Wow some of these comments are awful. If the roles were reversed and he was the older of the two, the comments would not be so hateful. Trump is in his 70 and Malania is 45. The two couples are almost exactly the same difference apart. It is disgraceful that in this day and age, a man can marry a younger women (in Trump's case, several younger and younger women), but when a women marries a much younger man, she is vilified. I myself am older than my husband by a dozen years. This doesn't make me a cougar or cradle robber, it makes me human. i found a man who I can love, laugh and live with who makes me happy. Our ages don't matter one iota in the scheme of things.
99
I am in complete agreement JeepGirl. I too was taken aback by so many of the harsh and mean comments. You being older than your husband is as relevant as the Gloria Steinem saying about a fish needing a bicycle. Both example are IRRELEVANT. The fact that you both found love, laughter and happiness is the only thing that matters in life. PERIOD. Best wishes for many, many more years of wedded bliss.
27
I completely agree with your sentiments. The account of what happened here suggests that Mr. Macron was undeniably attracted to his drama teacher. Instead of taking advantage of it, it would seem that she went to his parents in an attempt to discourage him, and that finally, it turned out to be more than a school boy crush. As far as her being a married woman who eventually ended her marriage because of her attraction to someone else, I am somewhere between amused and disgusted with American commenters who pretend outrage. This occurs so often in the USA as to be the leading reason for divorce. The French are not nearly as Puritanical, nor are they as hypocritical.
19
Agree! Good for you!
2
" she has said they did not have a “carnal” relationship when he was in high school "
In America, even French kissing would have branded her a sex offender and him a victim.
In America, even French kissing would have branded her a sex offender and him a victim.
6
In France, all kissing is by definition, 'French kissing'.
28
That made me laugh ! Good one.
14
She's quite a looker Viva La France!!
22
She has inspired me to maintain my exercise regimen and my proper diet, and
to examine my mind and soul every day for a smile.
to examine my mind and soul every day for a smile.
8
It's amazing how so many comments reflect a lack of reading comprehension, and are foaming at the mouth about a grown woman having an affair with her teenage student.
Through the many articles I have read, there is no indication that Ms. Macron pursued him, or that they engaged in any kind of sexual activity before he was 18. She and his parents tried to discourage Macron from pursuing her, but that didn't work. At Ms. Macron's request, they were not even in the same town while he finished high school.
Whether it was an older man or an older woman, as long as they maintain distance from the student until s/he is 18 shouldn't cause such outrage and accusations of hypocrisy. Actually reading the article and comprehending its content might be a good idea.
Through the many articles I have read, there is no indication that Ms. Macron pursued him, or that they engaged in any kind of sexual activity before he was 18. She and his parents tried to discourage Macron from pursuing her, but that didn't work. At Ms. Macron's request, they were not even in the same town while he finished high school.
Whether it was an older man or an older woman, as long as they maintain distance from the student until s/he is 18 shouldn't cause such outrage and accusations of hypocrisy. Actually reading the article and comprehending its content might be a good idea.
49
And Mme. Macron was not Mr. Macron's teacher. I agree. Read the article.
2
Younger man & older woman, older man and younger woman? So what.
Love is love and if they are happy together good for them.
Seems that there are lots of miserable, lonely, judgmental people posting their hateful vitriol here.
Love is love and if they are happy together good for them.
Seems that there are lots of miserable, lonely, judgmental people posting their hateful vitriol here.
38
As a French citizen, I can say that when there is such an age difference, I certainly have more faith in the sincerity of the relationship when the younger one is actually the one with the power.
The best luck to them.
The best luck to them.
46
I'm glad to live in France where we have won a very smart, well read, ambitious, dynamic, ethical and good looking young president, happily married to a highly intelligent, literary, beautiful, elegant and joyful wife. The same cannot be said of the United States.
112
Yes we are embarrassed by our current president and greatly miss our former president and First Lady!
65
Yes, we are unfortunately well aware of this. Please don't rub it in! Congratulations on your new president and best to France.
63
Michele...you should have added, "don't make us cry any harder than we already are". Oh, for the good ole days up to 2016.
10
Me: They look happy.
Larry David: Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Larry David: Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
11
I don't have an issue with a 39 year-old being with a 64 year-old. It's a 15 year-old having a romantic relationship with a 39 year-old that I find inappropriate. It's not about sex; it's about it not being a relationship of equals.
85
Correct. Although it is about sex too. In this country we've at least gone from nodding and winking about h.s. boys and their teachers, to prosecution of the women, we need to protect kids from these relationships until they are old enough to make mistakes on their own.
4
As far as I can tell from the picture, it's not like she's got him chained at the ankles for all these years. He's not 15 anymore, you know. Tell us about equal and what that means in your narrow opinion.
7
HE pursued her. And they didn't ask your opinion.
17
I only wish I looked half as brilliant and beautiful as Brigitte Macron does in the accompanying photo to this article. GREAT picture of them both!
32
He married his Mom? OH sorry his teacher
10
She wasnt his teacher.
5
Did you read the article?
France's version of Mary Kay Letourneau.
That’s who Brigette is, a woman willing to abandon her own 3 children and husband to run off the Paris to live with the boy she molested.
She is now to be put in charge of education in France? A teacher who molests her student? Very sad and disturbing.
That’s who Brigette is, a woman willing to abandon her own 3 children and husband to run off the Paris to live with the boy she molested.
She is now to be put in charge of education in France? A teacher who molests her student? Very sad and disturbing.
17
Very horrifying indeed. People look at them now , they ignore how it all started ? A 15 yo boy !!! People....if the 15 yo boy was from your side , could be a son or brother an a like. Still cute picture ???
6
Letourneau met her student when he was 12 and began a conjugal relationship when he was 13. He fathered her child the following year. She never asked him to continue his studies (middle school in the boy's case) in another city so they could take their distance. Letourneau pursued him (conjugally) throughout his early adolescence -- three years before the legal age of consent where they lived. Mrs. Macron never even contemplated Letourneau's level of subterfuge, disregard for the law (and the laws of her school), and questionable ethics. You refuse to deal with reality.
20
Eva...you have "facts" no one else has? The "boy she molested"? Where is that coming from? From what I've read, she conducted herself with integrity in regards to her relationship with a student, and this coming from a child abuse prosecutor.
18
I love Brigitte Macron!! I love her entire story! It is a victory for women to have her involved in the French political scheme. I would wish for so much geniality and equality for women here in the US.
49
What if you were from the other side ? Your son/ brother started an affair with his teacher at 15 eventually marrying her ? Still victory for women ? I'm a mother of a boy and I'm horrified !
10
Macron and Brigitte did NOT start an affair when he was 15! Have you not read the entire story? She and his parents decided that he would leave his high school in Amiens and finish his studies in Paris...precisely because of his "crush" on Brigitte. He pursued her until he was old enough...
7
She left her husband and left her children with a broken family, to take up with one of her young students. Gee, what a sophisticated lady.
10
The heart wants what the heart wants. More power to them! I sure admire this marriage more than my president's marriage.
54
We have many of those teachers having affairs with their students in the US, would you vote for them if they run for offices ?
3
My understanding is that this relationship did not become carnal until both parties reached legal adult age. Oui? Non?
5
@MarkDFW: The parties are too coy to say. Brigitte says it will forever be their secret. Great.
3
Let us hope the marriage will be no distraction to what Macron has been elected for .
5
Amazing story about a couple truly in love and conquering obstacles and breaking stereotypes. Best wishes to them and to France. Cheers!
39
Being a female member of the 60+ age group and a firm supporter of true love, regardless of either's age, I cannot help but feel disappointed by some of the negative reactions to President and First Lady Macron. I find Natacha Henry's statement, “It’s like a breath of fresh air in this country,” spot on. Shouldn't the primary focus and concern be on what kind of president Emmanuel Macron will be for France? Frankly, I think this First Lady could prove to be as dynamic as Princess Diana was to England and will have a great impact on France in many wonderful ways.
I have never been a fan or supporter of the "moral police" attitude when it comes to private matters such this. Whether it is considered "right" or "wrong" is not for me to judge. And the fact that she is older than her husband, so what. By the looks of everything, she was the best thing that ever happened to him. And continues to be so. What is so wrong with that? Whatever happened to "live and let live"?
379
This isn't only about an adult man marrying and a much older adult woman which is perfectly fine with me as well.
How would you feel about if your 15 year old daughter or son is courted by a 39 year old teacher?
How would you feel about if your 15 year old daughter or son is courted by a 39 year old teacher?
11
He was a 15 year old boy. There is something wrong with that.
10
With all due respect Mr. Mann, the article stated that "She and his parents at first tried to discourage him from pursuing her, and she has said they did not have a “carnal” relationship when he was in high school". If anything, the student was trying to court the teacher.
8
This First Lady and the President-to-be appear to be real people - unlike the FRAUD who occupies our White House and his spouse who does everything she possibly can to avoid time with her husband.
Voilá! - there's the answer - being with Donny is "doing time", it's a punishment, and we're suffering immensely from this punishment.
Voilá! - there's the answer - being with Donny is "doing time", it's a punishment, and we're suffering immensely from this punishment.
44
@Thomas: As our late former Mayor Ed Koch said, after losing his election to David Dinkins : The people have spoken, and now they must be punished!" And we are, Ed, we are.......
2
To repeat, the article is not about Mr. Trump and his current or previous wives. Irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Reverse genders,change the country to America and this guy couldn't get elected dog catcher,much less President.Every snoop,busy body so called ''investigative'' journalist would turn over every stone to find when the relationship went ''carnal.'' Some how I don't think the NYT and it's readers would be so tolerant if this were an American candidate,especially if he wasn't on the team.
16
What in the world are you talking about? Some of us just elected a president who is much, much older than his wife.
Of all the reasons I despise Trump, his age difference with Melania isn't one of them.
Of all the reasons I despise Trump, his age difference with Melania isn't one of them.
13
@CCC: It is not the age difference. This is about a teacher starting an affair with her 15 year old student, and breaking up her marriage in the process.
4
For crying out loud. Read the article.
7
I can't be the only one who thinks it's highly innappropriate for a 15 year old highschooler to pursue and marry his 39 year old drama teacher? I don't think this should be an accepted norm for highschool students to pursue their teachers, be it a 39 year old male teacher or female teacher.
15
It's not the norm. That's what makes it newsworthy.
8
They've been married for 10 years. Which means he was 29 when they married.
Why is it offensive?
Why is it offensive?
24
The age difference is fine, whatever works. I'm a bit creeped out about his age at the onset, though.
9
Don't you remember 15?
9
Dear NYT,
the same way that Angela Merkel's husband is not "Mr. Merkel", or "First Gentleman", the French do not have a "First Lady".
This is Europe.
the same way that Angela Merkel's husband is not "Mr. Merkel", or "First Gentleman", the French do not have a "First Lady".
This is Europe.
25
It's Europe, yes, but in the last few years the wife of France's president has been called just that -- première dame -- by more and more of the French media. Plus ça change...
3
I don't know much about the rest of Europe but in France the wife of the president is " premiere dame", the same to all former French colony country in Africa !
2
I thought France rejected all ideas from those dog-eat-dog 'anglo-saxons'?
2
Although nobody is asking for anybody's opinion on their personal relationships, I would feel better about this relationship if they had met a few years later in his life. There is something predatory and sordid about a married woman with a family "falling in love" with a virtually pre-pubescent boy, in such a relationship of authority (whether as teacher, tutor or family friend). It's a little nauseating.
I understand that Le Pen was the worse of the two candidates, so I celebrate Macron's win, but I still question the good judgement of such a man, and couple.
I understand that Le Pen was the worse of the two candidates, so I celebrate Macron's win, but I still question the good judgement of such a man, and couple.
47
It's the other way around actually. He admits that he fell in love with her. She resisted for several years buthe kept pestering her while he was in college until she finally agreed to go out with him.
11
Kelly--Judge not, lest you be judged. I see his fidelity and his persistence. Live and let live.
7
A 15 year old "virtually pre-pubescent"? You obviously don't know much about boys!
9
When it comes to affairs of the heart, France is the world's superpower.
26
Yes for France that is. Someone joked after tiger woods' affaire that he shoulda moved to France! Seriously !
Reportedly Mr. Woods was an astonishingly profligate philanderer during his marriage, hardly caring about what his wife knew about his constant philandering. Is there something positive in that behavior?
1
Didn't you write this same "breaks the mold" article about Sarkozy's model wife? When are you going to get out of the 1950s?
15
I don't think it's a good thing for adults to engage children in sexual relationships. It's a bad idea even if they defer sex until after the age of consent. It's a bad idea even if we can point to a few cases where teachers and their former students have gone on to enduring relationships. It isn't just a matter of the years that separate them. When an adult knows a child they need to be clear that having a romantic or sexual relationship with that person is not acceptable, ever. It is still unacceptable even if the child wants to. It is not a matter of prudishness. It is an issue of harm to people.
6
Jay--I don't think you actually read the article. Just because you can comment doesn't mean you should, particularly when you don't know what you're talking about.
23
Did you, or anyone else complaining of this, read the whole article? If they are to be believed, they didn't consummate their love affair when he was 15! She tried to discourage him, insisted he go away to school, which he did. Why are we so weirded out about this or why does it matter to his position when they ended up marrying and being together, happily in a mature relationship, for all these years? Have we watched too many movies? There's already been more discussion about this than DT and all his creepy marriages, affairs and dalliances, not to mention the assaults.
17
We are creeped out because Brigitte would have been jailed in this country. Further, we are told it will be forever their "secret" when physical intimacy began. Great.
5
Wow ! She looks like a million francs.
27
If she looks like 'a million francs' that would mean she is completely obsolete. France hasn't used Francs for 15 years.
6
r mackinnon - I think she's WOW x100. Whether it's a million francs or 10 million euros, she's incredibly beautiful regardless of the money example. Francs/Euros - mere semantics.
2
We might do better outsourcing our elections to French voters.
33
I wish them success. Even better, they could trade places with our pair. But no, they are our friends and allies, and would not wish ruin on them.
23
Come on - are all of these commenters honestly contending that they don't know of anyone who has married a former student? I'd say they must have very small worlds. I learned through Facebook that a high school friend of mine married our physics teacher, though both contend that they didn't start dating until she was in college. They are happily married with two growing boys. I have met two other couples in the same boat.
And how astoundingly ironic that people here keep comparing her to Mary Kay Letourneau. Has it not occurred to you that this happens with male teachers far more often than with females? Does it not strike you as noteworthy that it is the female teacher who grabs all the headlines? And from that, you conclude that you conclude that it would be BIGGER news if she were a man? Give me a break. People would hardly bat an eye.
According to the narrative, she discussed his pursuit of her with his parents and they together tried to discourage him. Those are hardly the actions of a sexual predator. He was 29 when they married. Hard to imagine that she was taking advantage of him then.
And how astoundingly ironic that people here keep comparing her to Mary Kay Letourneau. Has it not occurred to you that this happens with male teachers far more often than with females? Does it not strike you as noteworthy that it is the female teacher who grabs all the headlines? And from that, you conclude that you conclude that it would be BIGGER news if she were a man? Give me a break. People would hardly bat an eye.
According to the narrative, she discussed his pursuit of her with his parents and they together tried to discourage him. Those are hardly the actions of a sexual predator. He was 29 when they married. Hard to imagine that she was taking advantage of him then.
295
39 year old adults of any gender or profession should keep their hands off 15 year old children of any gender
he stalked her and broke up her family
he stalked her and broke up her family
9
It is very common, you are correct.
1
Dave, and how about the man in the White House? Cheated on his wives, and married a 3rd wife, who is 25 years younger than he?!
1
What's the big deal? She is clearly a very smart, sophisticated woman in a sound relationship with a man who going to be the president of France; a power figure, not some wimp commentator.
He is lucky to have her and he knows that. They will make a great team for France.
America should be so lucky.
He is lucky to have her and he knows that. They will make a great team for France.
America should be so lucky.
50
It's not luck, kiddo.
1
My perception of Emmanuel Macron is that he must be a very confident, mature, and determined, young man. If a man can set aside that kind of age difference with a woman, it really must be that he has found his kindred spirit in this woman. Good for them! They've been together much longer than most marriages these days.
41
Nice way of putting it. I am thoroughly inspired by Madam Macron.
5
In the U.S. a relationship between a 15 year old student and a 39 year old teacher will put the teacher in jail. In France, it will make her a First Lady.
Vive La France!
Vive La France!
4
First of all, HE pursued her. And secondly, they didn't have a relationship until they were both consenting adults. Please.....read the article!
2
How is a 40 year old teacher going after her 15 year old student a good thing? It's pretty sick and twisted.
7
Read the article. She didn't pursue him, he pursued her. They didn't get involved until he was older and finished high school. Try to be happy for them, since they are obviously happy with each other.
15
That is not what the article said happened. I don't know how true the article is, but unless you knew them twenty years ago, you don't either.
10
It's the other way around actually. He pursued her. They did not develop a relationship until several years later.
12
Why was this article ever written? Why not leave people alone to live their own lives? This article has nothing to do with French politics. Also, the Macron's marriage has NOTHING to do with Don Trump. There are some things occurring in the world that have nothing to do with Don T.
9
At least they look very happy together, unlike Melania who always looks like she would rather be 500 miles away.
70
Peter--If YOU were Melania, wouldn't YOU want to be 500 miles away from donnie trump? Yuk!
20
Mr. Trump and his current wife are irrelevant to the article.
Good for 'them'. I hope they are a breathe a fresh air in role modeling, politics and style.
25
* Plus ca change, plus c'est la mere chose. *
I'm dying to read the article in the Times about Melania Trump where she's described as being 23 years younger than her husband and sparking a debate about age difference in marriage. Why do I think such an article does not exist?
161
The difference is that Melania was about 28 years old when she met Trump.
Reading the comments, there is the typical double standard. Because the French President has the same views as I do, I have no problem with a romantic/sexual relationship between a 15 year old and his 39 year old teacher.
The same with sexism. if the roles were reversed and she was his 15 year old student, it would be about an older man taking advantage of a vulnerable female.
Reading the comments, there is the typical double standard. Because the French President has the same views as I do, I have no problem with a romantic/sexual relationship between a 15 year old and his 39 year old teacher.
The same with sexism. if the roles were reversed and she was his 15 year old student, it would be about an older man taking advantage of a vulnerable female.
13
She looks AWESOME!!!
30
The very same age difference as between Donald and Melania. So what is the big deal?
53
There is "NO" comparison!! One of the two ladies have "NO" depth and a husband that's Imbecile!!! Guess who that is??
1
Trump did not go after Melania when she was 15. She was a grown woman. Very different.
3
To put it succinctly:
If dog bites man, that's not news. If man bites dog that IS news.
If dog bites man, that's not news. If man bites dog that IS news.
When will a myopic American press stop using the term "first lady" for the wives of political leaders in other countries? Their political cultures are very different. And, no, it's not because of sexism.
23
At least no one has come forward with any evidence that Ms Macron was an escort in her past life.
I'll trade a 1st lady who's a "trump trophy" and a coat hanger for a 1st lady who was an educator any day off the week.
I'll trade a 1st lady who's a "trump trophy" and a coat hanger for a 1st lady who was an educator any day off the week.
96
I have been following the election campaigne in France for weeks. I don't remember reading or hearing much about the candidates' private lives and relationships. I wish the US media learns from this!
Congratulations and best wishes to President Macron and Mme. Macron, to France and all Europe!
Congratulations and best wishes to President Macron and Mme. Macron, to France and all Europe!
73
She is a French version of mary kay letourneau.
16
I love the French.
44
How can the authors of this article so blithely gloss over the fact that Macron was 15 years old and that she was in position of trust and power over him?
Unbelievable attempt to overlook the possibly illegal origins of the relationship for the sole purpose of writing a fluff piece about a younger man and an older woman.
Macron's parents pleaded her to leave their son alone at least until he is 18, and her response was "I can't promise anything". You didn't include this in the article because it didn't fit your narrative of her as a passive, innocent, non-predatory subject of his pursuit.
https://www.thelocal.fr/20170412/new-book-reveals-how-macron-hooked-up-w...
Unbelievable attempt to overlook the possibly illegal origins of the relationship for the sole purpose of writing a fluff piece about a younger man and an older woman.
Macron's parents pleaded her to leave their son alone at least until he is 18, and her response was "I can't promise anything". You didn't include this in the article because it didn't fit your narrative of her as a passive, innocent, non-predatory subject of his pursuit.
https://www.thelocal.fr/20170412/new-book-reveals-how-macron-hooked-up-w...
She appears to be a class act. As does her husband. Makes me even more upset when I look a their counterparts in Washington who live in the National Criminal Insane Asylum at 1600 Pennsylvania Avennue.
74
A 39 year old teacher and married mother has an affair with a 15 year old student?
If she were a man and Macron a woman she would be denounced as an awful person and perhaps even a child molester.
If she were a man and Macron a woman she would be denounced as an awful person and perhaps even a child molester.
17
Read the story again. They did not have an affair when he was fifteen.
19
Yeah, except there were some different stories pre-election, pre-excellent PR team trying to make the shiny new president look good. Try reading some French news ;)
I have no problem with this relationship whatsoever. But I do have a problem with hypocrisy. What would the feminists says if a 39 year old married father of three met his current wife when she was a 15 year old girl and his student and then left his same age wife and married her?
A guy like that would be denounced as an amoral predator and the relationship certainly wouldn't be celebrated front and centre in a New York Times puff piece.
A guy like that would be denounced as an amoral predator and the relationship certainly wouldn't be celebrated front and centre in a New York Times puff piece.
37
Hey!!! this is life
2
Feminist here...I would view it the same as I view the beginning of this relationship: highly questionable, seemingly predatory and a gross misuse of power.
8
I have a problem with that aspect of the Macrons' marriage as well. It's just as bad as if the chromosomes were reversed.
3
There is one error in the story. M. Macron did not 'pledge' to have half of his party's legislative candidates be women. I believe it is French law that all parties must have a slate with half of the candidates lacking a y chromosome.
4
It is indeed the law but French parties would rather pay the fines than follow the law. In addition, women are recruited in districts where they are likely to loose. What Macron did with gender parity among his candidates is historical. Ms Macron is stunning.
1
That's a Swedish law actually, not a French one.
2
No it's not a law but there has been a lot of talk for a long time about trying to achieve that, not just in politics.
How sad. In the U.S. she would have been arrested for having endangered the welfare of a minor. Poor boy married his mommie. This is not going to turn out very well for the people of France.
11
But fortunately French people are not like some hypocritical puritan Americans. And it will turn out very well for the people of France, thank you very much.
17
There are a lot of people criticizing their relation. Speaking about mariage and all....but love is all that matters, and there is nothing more beautiful than a "flechazo". You got to have love. At the time of our grandparents there were not a lot of divorces but there was a lot of hidden relationships, thus a lot of hypocrisy. You see her, you just can't beleive she's 65 because love is the most efficient medicine.
Nevertheless what must be strange for Emmanuel Macron is to be around Tiphaine Auziere, the daughter of Brigitte who is her spitting image...maybe he will marry her after Brigitte death.......lol
Nevertheless what must be strange for Emmanuel Macron is to be around Tiphaine Auziere, the daughter of Brigitte who is her spitting image...maybe he will marry her after Brigitte death.......lol
2
Imagine a male politician who first met his then 15 year old wife when he was 39. He would have been slandered as a pedofile and a dirty old man.
20
... In the US, probably.
4
It happened with Celine Dion!
How about Priscilla Presley, She was 14 when she met Elvis.
3
I was lucky enough to be in Paris on Election Day and cheered with the others in the restaurant when Macron won. I want more news of France and the Macrons to take my mind off of that lying lowlife in our White House.
57
I've been divorced a long time. When I see a man I find attractive he usually turns out to be years younger.
When I come across men my age who are divorced or widowed they look lost, disheveled and tired.
For some reason a man of a certain age who is not taken care of by a wife seems to age a lot more rapidly. It is the rare exception that a single man in this group looks well presented and groomed. This may seem sexist or narrow minded but in my limited experience I have seen this time and time again.
Good for Mme. Macron. She inspires women to go for it!
When I come across men my age who are divorced or widowed they look lost, disheveled and tired.
For some reason a man of a certain age who is not taken care of by a wife seems to age a lot more rapidly. It is the rare exception that a single man in this group looks well presented and groomed. This may seem sexist or narrow minded but in my limited experience I have seen this time and time again.
Good for Mme. Macron. She inspires women to go for it!
301
Age is irrelevant. A man can always benefit from the experience of an older woman. The only bar is a tough one; the match of personalities is more important than any number.
5
I totally agree with you. I'm a 63 year old widow. When I was ready to date again I was initially thinking of men my age or a few years older and I found awkward that younger men seemed attracted to me. Well, I quickly changed my mind.
7
I agree. I'm happily married to a man five years older than I. When I see men his age walking around, anyone can tell if they have a woman in their lives, seriously. Luckily my husband sees how I take care of myself and he wants to follow suit
2
Its all wonderful until the older partner is in their 80's and the other is in their 50's. Then it becomes 90's and 60's. My sister is living this now with her 27 year older husband. No one ever thinks about the physical eventualities of aging.
13
Some of us do. I'm approaching 80 and my wife is approaching 50. We deal with this reality in practical terms and do not try and pretend that I will not predecease her.
I want her to recover and get on with her life asap being thankful for the time we had together and put it behind her as a cherished memory and move on in this great adventure we all share for our alloted time.
I want her to recover and get on with her life asap being thankful for the time we had together and put it behind her as a cherished memory and move on in this great adventure we all share for our alloted time.
19
Actually they have thought of it! Madam Macron said he must run now because in 2020 his problem will be my face!
6
People make many assumptions about such things that turn out to be untrue. My brother married a woman 12 years younger than him. She did outlive him, but it had nothing to do with their age difference. He developed cancer at the age of 65. My own husband lost his first wife to cancer when she was 56 and he was 57. Actuarial tables say that she should have outlived him. Who doesn't know someone who lost a spouse to a car accident? You really don't know how long you have with anyone. You just pretend that you do.
I like everything I've read about Brigitte Macron and the relationship the Macrons have together. The fact that her daughters developed enough respect and affection for him to welcome him into their family speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.
52
And the kind of person *she* is, to have raised daughters like that.
6
Really? And did the original husband of Brigitte feel the same?
4
France has always been more civilized and less puritanical than us. In Paris at lunch you frequently see handsome stylish young men meeting obviously older very stylish women and looking quite smitten. Here only the man has that freedom or risks censure. Trumps 24 yr age gap, Rupert M & Jerry Hall about 300 yrs difference. The uber wealthy men of course can do anything.
France has a deeper appreciation of more mature women---vive La France! If only we could export much of their cultural sense and sensibility, putting small minded concerns to the fringe & keeping them there.
Macrons look happy. Let's be happy to see an actual loving relationship and not a political calculation as great marriage example to set.
France has a deeper appreciation of more mature women---vive La France! If only we could export much of their cultural sense and sensibility, putting small minded concerns to the fringe & keeping them there.
Macrons look happy. Let's be happy to see an actual loving relationship and not a political calculation as great marriage example to set.
It seems to me that many feminists would use the word "rapist" to describe a 37 year old man becoming involved with a (consenting) 15 year old girl. So I'd be curious - really - to know how this relationship fits the worldview of those who use this term in such a definitive way.
25
The article clearly states that the relationship did not become sexual until much later.
7
Are you referring to states in which the age of consent is under 18? Because from my vantage point, in a 18 consent state, every person who knows the law would look at that as rape - not just feminists. In this case, the power dynamics were still very much at play - does anyone remember being on the same level as a sophomore with your married teachers in their late 30s? So, if you're genuinely curious to know what I think, I think that - while their relationship (allegedly) fit within the confines of the law - it was wildly inappropriate and lacked the "equality" in its conception that the article praises so highly.
3
Just for the record, 2/3 of US states set the age of consent at 16.
2
The double standard of the man always being the older one in a heterosexual couple is the most tenacious of all the pillars of patriarchy. I am thrilled to see it start to tremble! Vive La France!
26
I live in Nice and am delighted with the outcome of the election. My husband and I are from Ireland and we were seriously looking Into moving back to Dublin in the event of Marine Le Pen being elected. The polls said he would win but after Trump and Brexit we don't take anything for granted. I hear no criticism of the Macrons' home arrangements from my French friends but the fact he is only 39 seems to worry some of them. They have been together for 20 years and married for ten which says something. I hope he will be able to implement some of his ideas, like every other country, after an election France just seems to be the same old same old.
28
Canada is blessed with Justin and Sophie Trudeau France is blessed with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron. And we are cursed with Donald Trump and wife #3.
46
Countries are not blessed with leaders; countries get the leaders their citizens elect and those leaders reflect the values that animate the population. While the president absorbs alot of media attention, the president is not truly the problem - the problems are the governors that have been elected at the state level, representatives that have been elected to the house, senators that have been elected to congress. These are the people who gerrymander districts, who approve or block healthcare legislation, who approve or block judicial appointments, who raise taxes on middle class individuals and lower taxes on rich corporations. Americans need to pay attention and all Americans need to take seriously their duty to vote. In every election, and for all their representatives.
9
“I think he won because he didn’t do any kind of macho performance, and that’s what we need." Really, is that what's been keeping France back economically? I had no idea. In that case T.May in the UK should be a real winner.
6
After almost getting Dominique Strauss-Kahn? Yes, France stepped back from the brink. I wish we had.
5
It's time to think outside the box .
I believe the first French couple is showing what true love is all about , enduring commitment, affection and trust . They have so much in common , true love is ageless . She is so smart and will have a positive effect on French politics.
Vive la France !
PS : Michelle Obama the best First Lady together with Eleonor Roosevelt.
I believe the first French couple is showing what true love is all about , enduring commitment, affection and trust . They have so much in common , true love is ageless . She is so smart and will have a positive effect on French politics.
Vive la France !
PS : Michelle Obama the best First Lady together with Eleonor Roosevelt.
19
Some people are just more mature and wiser than their age; just old souls. Mr. Macron appears to be one of them. I admire their commitment to each other and their perseverance. Wishing them and France all the luck in the world.
27
I live in Asia, where many Western men come to find much younger women, often deluding themselves that the women love them and not their money. I noticed that one nationality was not part of this trend, the French. In fact, the one French man I know married to a Chinese woman is 8 years her junior, and it is a great partnership. I have asked French men why this is so. They have all said simply, "We like women, not girls."
53
She would have been jailed in the U.S. for an inappropriate relationship by an authority figure.
12
she is absolutely beautiful for any age and it is easy to understand why he fell in love - not a big deal if the genders were reversed - what a mere 25 years older? He obviously married her for love - Can Melania claim the same of her spouse?
16
MR & MS MACRON Bring to mind the case in the US where Mary Kay Letourneau, a French teacher, and her 12 year old student, Vili Fualaau who fatherd a child with her at age 13. I guess Ms Letourneau was bringing to the relationship the French cultural tolerance of many things sexual, that ended up getting her a long jail sentence. Yes, she was tried and convicted of rape by the father of her children out of wedlock. It is no small matter that Vili is deeply in love and married to Mary Kay (not the one with the makeup), after she served a prison term for raping him. Clearly in their situation, love conquers all. We have yet to see the benefits of the relationship between Mr and Ms Macron. From the description in the article, she seems to be his great supporter and manager, providing him feedback. Too bad that the Trumpenstein Monster goes for women who he basically purchases rather than older women who could teach him about the world. Though I fear he's a lost cause on all fronts.
7
I have a slight familiarity with the LeTourneau matter, but there is probably very little that is comparable. Ms. LeTourneau's father was a very strange individual who was an elected official for a while. He had a second family, that was unknown at least ostensibly to Ms. LeTourneau, her mother and siblings. The father's political beliefs were more than bizarre as well. Ms. LeTourneau's sexual interest in a 12-year-old male student is beyond the Pale. Her imprisonment more than appropriate. Her behavior at all times insane, likely strongly influenced, if not determined, by the even more bizarre behavior of her father.
The only mold she broke was the one that punishes adults who groom children. I can only imagine the uproar if this woman was black and carried on a relationship with a 15 year old when she was nearing 40.
7
Black or white, it doesn't matter. In the US there would be an uproar over this.
8
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four
Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four
Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney
3
I'm sixty one and my wife and I just celebrated her eightieth birthday. We met 40 years ago and have been married 34. I hardly see what's so unusual here that anyone in man-centric USA should have a hard time figuring out.
22
But was your wife married with three children when you met her? Did she have an extra-marital affair with you, then a divorce, in order to marry you?
The age difference means nothing. In fact, yes, it is refreshing and somewhat wonderful to see that an older woman can be appreciated, loved and lusted after by a sexy younger man (Macron is sexy, imho). It's romantic and thrilling, especially to us women "of a certain age", hence all the positive comments here. Kudos to you, sir, that your wife has had you all these years.
But if you didn't break up your wife's first marriage, then it's not the same thing. It's the total lack of respect for Brigitte's marriage that bothers me, not the age difference. Except for that, then, yes, I am all in favor of this May-December romance and feel they make a beautiful couple. I wish the Macrons and all of France a productive, successful next 5 years.
The age difference means nothing. In fact, yes, it is refreshing and somewhat wonderful to see that an older woman can be appreciated, loved and lusted after by a sexy younger man (Macron is sexy, imho). It's romantic and thrilling, especially to us women "of a certain age", hence all the positive comments here. Kudos to you, sir, that your wife has had you all these years.
But if you didn't break up your wife's first marriage, then it's not the same thing. It's the total lack of respect for Brigitte's marriage that bothers me, not the age difference. Except for that, then, yes, I am all in favor of this May-December romance and feel they make a beautiful couple. I wish the Macrons and all of France a productive, successful next 5 years.
9
Mr. Thompson, did you meet your wife at 15? and was she your schoolteacher?
If the answer is "no" -- you met as adults -- then this does not apply to you at all.
If the answer is "no" -- you met as adults -- then this does not apply to you at all.
7
Actually, Ann, see was and for the second time as well, and had two teenage kids, one from each. Spare me the moral lectures, however.
4
Character is what is important, far moreso than mere appearances. France gets that. America does not. Thus, they have elected a very well educated, qualified, intelligent person to do the job, with a lifelong educator as a partner. More than ever I want to return there. Vive la France!
14
They got character all right. Not what I would consider good character, however.
3
Moira, and what exactly do you think we have sitting in the WH now, is that your definition of good character? Please consider education and suitability for public office over puritanical moralizing about their legal, personal relationship, thanks
5
I'm in no way against this relationship and am happy that the stigma around non-tradition couples continues to be liberalized.
But let's be honest here, if it were a male teacher than met his female wife at 15 in school, there would be a lot of uproar about how this is creepy emotional manipulation by a role model.
Like I said, I like the positive conversation around this marriage. I just don't want to see any double standards
But let's be honest here, if it were a male teacher than met his female wife at 15 in school, there would be a lot of uproar about how this is creepy emotional manipulation by a role model.
Like I said, I like the positive conversation around this marriage. I just don't want to see any double standards
10
Actually she stated that the actual relationship started later, and that he was the one who pursued her while he was away at college.
6
Of course he would seek her counsel, she is mature, thoughtful, intelligent, and educated. He also can trust her more than anyone else. She also has a track record during this campaign to be a trusted advisor. He didn't have to say she would have a big part in his administration, but he did to give her even more credence. All of this should give the French confidence in their young leader.
He is not a liar and a con man like our "young leader" Trump who has surrounded himself with more liars. We should be worried not the French.
He is not a liar and a con man like our "young leader" Trump who has surrounded himself with more liars. We should be worried not the French.
20
I think men who break up marriages and families are, by definition, liars and con men.
3
I agree.
They look great. Who cares about the age difference.
5
When the older one is a lady and teacher, it is all good. Irrespective of the younger one being 15 when they first met..
7
The issue many people seem to have with the age difference in their relationship is not that it's a woman who's much older than a man, it's the fact that she's a pedophile, though there are those who wish to bend the definition of that term in this case so they don't feel they're somehow supporting Le Pen.
She's now saying she didn't consummate the relationship when Macron was younger than 18 but in an article in Le Monde before the election she refused to talk about what happened between them at the time, stating that what happened between the two of them shall remain between the two of them.
And Alix Bouilhaguet says, “ 'She can’t be someone who whispers in the ears of the president' ”. Well, that is exactly what you've got here.
She's now saying she didn't consummate the relationship when Macron was younger than 18 but in an article in Le Monde before the election she refused to talk about what happened between them at the time, stating that what happened between the two of them shall remain between the two of them.
And Alix Bouilhaguet says, “ 'She can’t be someone who whispers in the ears of the president' ”. Well, that is exactly what you've got here.
10
Technically, pedophile refers to a preference for prepubescent teens, which wasn't the case here.
Also, although they met when he was 15, their relationship began several years later.
Also, although they met when he was 15, their relationship began several years later.
5
Peter, you have made several comments that their relationship did not begin until several years later. However, all she has said is that the relationship was not "consummated" until later. In this and other reporting, it is clear that a 39 year old teacher began an intimate relationship with her 15 year old student, albeit one that did not involve sexual intercourse at the time. Sorry, I'm approximately the same age as Ms. Macron and 15 year olds are CHILDREN. I'm glad things worked out for them, but they are the exception and adults should not be grooming children for sexual relationships.
50
From the way she has described the relationship, he was the one who persued her. She resisted, and even enlisted his parents to try to put a stop to it. He persisted and persisted while he was in college and eventually broke down her resistance.
To be clear, I am not in favor of 15 year olds starting relationships with 39 year olds, but from what I can tell in this particular case, it appears they have been good for each other.
To be clear, I am not in favor of 15 year olds starting relationships with 39 year olds, but from what I can tell in this particular case, it appears they have been good for each other.
6
If this story would have played out in the US, Madam Marcon would have served prison time and been spending the rest of her days in sex crime databases and sexual offender registries. How lucky for Mr Marcon that he had reasonable parents that chose not to ruin his life over this woman.
While I do not feel any attraction to men younger than me, I do know that there are men out there that really love older women and they were never pressured by the women to be with them. Each to his/her own and may the Marcons live happily ever after.
While I do not feel any attraction to men younger than me, I do know that there are men out there that really love older women and they were never pressured by the women to be with them. Each to his/her own and may the Marcons live happily ever after.
13
Can you imagine what the press in this country would say if Trump at 15 had pursued his teacher until she left her husband.
This relationship strikes me as bizarre, and worthy of a grade B movie.
This relationship strikes me as bizarre, and worthy of a grade B movie.
15
As stated in the article , it is never news or discussion when influential men marry younger women ( trophy wives- including the current first lady of the USA ) why should it be an issue when the opposite occurs?. Enough with double standards, it is the 21st century!
11
They met when he was 15, she and his parents discouraged him from pursuing her but he eventually won her over but they did not have a "carnal" relationship when he was in high school. Um okay, sounds rather Mary Kay Letournau to me but maybe things are different in France.
10
I think the senior citizens of France can rest assured that President Macon will be a staunch advocate for them. After all, he's married to one.
5
Come on. Strange behavior all around. And somehow... she seems pretty silly ('I gave in because he made me') and he seems seriously creepy ('you really will marry me') once you read the article and assuming it's all true. Psychologists should have a field day.
11
I much prefer Macron over Le Pen. Madame Macron sounds like a very interesting, intelligent woman. She should be an asset as a First Lady in France. At the same time, I do not see how the "all you need is love" storyline manages to get past the teacher marrying a former student storyline. Still creepy.
4
It sounds pretty creepy. Can we really believe there was no intimacy while he was still in high school? in this country women like her are jailed.
9
... And in China people are executed for embezzlement, and in Africa homosexuals are harshly persecuted.
5
Now we will have pedophile rights, and anyone who questions them is a bigot.
3
? Your point?
1
Sorry, but this is hypocracy at its most unbelievable. If this was a guy in the same position - started off in high School (okay "nothing carnal" there) then left his wife for her, I wonder what the press would say ? And don't say Trump ! he didn't start on her case while she was in high School... only while he was married.
9
Love it, It's progressive and no barriers.
2
He loves who he loves. I like it.
4
There was a school teacher in Washington State who went to prison, while pregnant, with her student's baby. She also was married with many children.
A big difference between France and the US. This French pairing would never be accepted or condoned in this country.
A big difference between France and the US. This French pairing would never be accepted or condoned in this country.
8
Viva la France!!! The US President and first lady have the approximate age difference, just in the opposite way.
And the Macrons actually hold hands and smile at one another! Way to go!
i also hope she reaches out to Michele Obama. What a team they would make!
And the Macrons actually hold hands and smile at one another! Way to go!
i also hope she reaches out to Michele Obama. What a team they would make!
2
At this moment both and France and the U.S. do not have a First Lady. On the weekend that will change in France.
1
Fantastic. Vive la France. They know how to live.
2
Here's another success story- young man, older woman... http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/mary-kay-letourneau-how-sh...
3
Hardly what I would call a 'success story' since she was penalized with several years in prison. After she got out, her beau did the decent thing and married her.
1
@Peter Piper: they had two children together, one of them conceived while Mrs. LeTourneau was out of jail on parole (she was sent BACK in a hurry, as she violated her parole).
They may well have married because of the two children. Who knows? It was and is a very, very sick relationship.
They may well have married because of the two children. Who knows? It was and is a very, very sick relationship.
5
@Peter- i was being sarcastic.
If the President of France were the one who had the age difference in being the oldest, this would not be a story. Sexism to its ultimate. Women are equal......right
2
I am so jealous. Imagine if we had such a First Couple!
3
Great Love story !
DT the newly elected American President have a habit of being a fib master, now we see Ivanka and Jared have not done anything to change that habit.
If Trump had included Melania 23 years younger she perhaps would set him straight.
Who really knows because First lady is not allowed to speak , at this days of distraction I am willing to give Melania a chance.
DT the newly elected American President have a habit of being a fib master, now we see Ivanka and Jared have not done anything to change that habit.
If Trump had included Melania 23 years younger she perhaps would set him straight.
Who really knows because First lady is not allowed to speak , at this days of distraction I am willing to give Melania a chance.
2
That's INYT which breaks this news for me!
I didn't know Nothing about that.
I didn't know Nothing about that.
There are 68 comments (at the moment) and the Times could only find ONE to put their stamp on? The upsetting thing - besides all the purist judges we seem to harbor in this country who will always find something wrong with a sexual relationship - is that the one they "picked" accuses Macron of being a stalker, entitled, privileged, relentless, and a man without feelings for Brigitte's husband. (What about HER feelings for her husband?) I am really really tired of the unfettered judgmentalism based on the "facts" given in a - what? - 800 word article in the Times and even more upset at their pick. Really, people - get over yourselves. As for the Times, I'm just about done with it - asking readers for suggestions about something good that Trump's done was pretty much the end.
2
May they continue to be happy.
3
Frankly speaking who cares. What matters is whether Mr. Macron can do something to improve the lives of the mass of the French population. If his wife facilitates that, all the better.
A quick note on language: 'carnal' is translated from 'charnel(le)', which does not mean carnal- a word we associate with barbaric wildness. It is commonly used to simply mean physical, and to politely distinguish mental or emotional from physically intimate relationships.
while it doesn't change the fact that Mr. Macron was an adolescent in development when he met his future wife, it does shift the tone with which she's describing it. Their meeting is unusual, unconventional, but shouldnt be clouded by our assumptions around age, gender, and culture.
while it doesn't change the fact that Mr. Macron was an adolescent in development when he met his future wife, it does shift the tone with which she's describing it. Their meeting is unusual, unconventional, but shouldnt be clouded by our assumptions around age, gender, and culture.
91
everyone knew that --- yes their meeting - 39 yr old married other and 15 yr old child --- should be clouded with assumptions about its grossness --
Everyone with underclass high school daughters --- ask them if you can date their classmates---"don't tell daddy"
Everyone with underclass high school daughters --- ask them if you can date their classmates---"don't tell daddy"
1
Almost all men I know over age 65 have erectile dysfunction and are unable to consummate a sexual relationship. Young men, on the other hand, are ready to go at a moment's notice.
1
a quick note on language:
'carnal' is translated from 'charnel(le),' which actually *does* mean carnal
we do *not* associate carnal with barbaric wildness
carnal is used to mean physical and, indeed more specifically, almost invariably refers to sexually physical
indeed this common english usage of carnal is so ubiquitous that carnal very nearly has literally no other popular definition
the translation did not obscure what madame macron intended to say. any american newspaper reader would understand her statement to mean that the relationship wasnt sexual
'carnal' is translated from 'charnel(le),' which actually *does* mean carnal
we do *not* associate carnal with barbaric wildness
carnal is used to mean physical and, indeed more specifically, almost invariably refers to sexually physical
indeed this common english usage of carnal is so ubiquitous that carnal very nearly has literally no other popular definition
the translation did not obscure what madame macron intended to say. any american newspaper reader would understand her statement to mean that the relationship wasnt sexual
The attraction of teenage boys for older women and older women for teenage boys is commonplace and has to do with age and experience and sex and is almost always of a transitory nature. The Macrons seem to have found something that transcends age, all good fortune to them.
338
I believe each of us is entitled to 2 marriages: young woman/older man who has $ and can afford to support her children; young man/older woman who has raised her children and can afford to support him while he builds his career. This works!
1
The attraction of older men for teenage girls is illegal.
1
Who would have thought France has become the guiding light again. Perhaps this is the second coming of the French Revolution. If so, maybe there is also the second coming of the American Revolution when King Trump and the Red Coat Republican Party will be overflown once and for all.
In the mean time, good luck to the Macrons
In the mean time, good luck to the Macrons
123
Good luck to both of them and to France! I wish he was our president.
199
How could you wish he was our president? He has proved himself as president of France. All I know is; she probably was a great teacher.
2
Yes! There's something distinctly admirable about a man who at 15, thought nothing relentlessly pursuing a married mother of 3.
If only more American teens showed that sort of initiative...
If only more American teens showed that sort of initiative...
8
As of now, there is no first lady in France, at least the president's companion has neither institutionally defined role nor budget nor staff or anything of the sort. And we french are very happy this way. M. Macron has said during the campaign he wanted to create this role for his wife, that would be the first mistake (of a long list to come) he would make. Nobody voted for her, she has no political program, I don't care about what she thinks, her age, or the dresses she wears; M. Macron is our president, he's not a reality tv character.
44
Yes, we know, we know. I suggest you wait and see what happens before you react.
I hope he doesn't try to give her an official role. US presidents have tried to do that, including the current one, but in this case it's his daughter, often with disastrous results. And as you say, no one elected them to anything. Still, to be fair, I wonder what role ex-prez Clinton might have played had Hillary won?
2
I am totally jealous and want to move
How refreshing! The mature women of the world are sick and tired of seeing old men (Trump) with beautiful younger women (Melania) based only on the fact that the men have power and money. That oddity has never been questioned. Madam Macron is obviously beautiful inside and out and he's a very bright man to not let their age difference get in the way. I've always loved the old saying, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander" and it certainly applies here. We Americans who are suffering through this horrible American Presidency can take delight in what's happened in France. I wish them well !!!
301
As a high school teacher, I am stunned about how positively the NYT is portrayng this story. At 39 and already divorced, I now hope that one of my freshmen falls in love with me. Perhaps, I would still have hopes of becoming First Lady.
7
"How refreshing! The mature women of the world are sick and tired of seeing old men (Trump) with beautiful younger women (Melania) based only on the fact that the men have power and money".
That the older women of the world are jealous of younger, fresher women having a hold on the rich man market is a testament to their pettiness, and greed. Not sure that's something to brag about.
"That oddity has never been questioned"
No, because it's been going on for centuries, and is seen as a natural instinct in the female human. Again, not something I'd necessarily want to point out as a wannabe Feminist. But at least, it's candid.
That the older women of the world are jealous of younger, fresher women having a hold on the rich man market is a testament to their pettiness, and greed. Not sure that's something to brag about.
"That oddity has never been questioned"
No, because it's been going on for centuries, and is seen as a natural instinct in the female human. Again, not something I'd necessarily want to point out as a wannabe Feminist. But at least, it's candid.
Women are like fine wines or bourbon, they get better as they age ;)
73
And many men are like less-fine wines, they get sour as they age.
6
hear, hear!!!! I second that!!
1
Quite a few husbands also improve with age.
1
Teacher and student love affair will always be disturbing as the adult holds the power over the much younger partner, be the adult partner a male or
However, if the love affair stopped over a period, and gets restarted after the student is of legal age, it is definitely unusual but not immoral or illegal even in U.S. (There was a case in U.S. a decade or so ago, of the female teacher going to jail for having sex with a teenage boy, to bear his child, and married him after she was let out of jail.) Older women marrying much younger men is being gossiped and judged, while men all over the world often choose much younger women, espcially if they are the wealthy and powerful in their society. In this case, congrats to President Macron and Ms Macron. And wish them success.
However, if the love affair stopped over a period, and gets restarted after the student is of legal age, it is definitely unusual but not immoral or illegal even in U.S. (There was a case in U.S. a decade or so ago, of the female teacher going to jail for having sex with a teenage boy, to bear his child, and married him after she was let out of jail.) Older women marrying much younger men is being gossiped and judged, while men all over the world often choose much younger women, espcially if they are the wealthy and powerful in their society. In this case, congrats to President Macron and Ms Macron. And wish them success.
29
Look! I'm recently past sixty, and I find lots of ladies in their sixties, and we'll into their late seventies, out there today, who put many of the twenty and thirty something's to shame, both attraction wise, and intellectually wise! Why not?!
63
Not sure I'm a fan of their politics, but what's the big deal? They look very happy, and they are both attractive.
23
What politics? The guy is a centrist. Not radical right or left-wing.
1
Doesn't anyone find it a little creepy that this (at the time) boy falls in love with a much older married teacher and has to be forceably separated from her at her request and his parents desire? Then a few years later as a young privileged wonderkind, used to being a star and getting whatever he wants in life, this same young man returns to tell the said older married woman that he is going to continue to pursue her until she divorces her husband and becomes his wife. Does no one find that just a little creepy? A little stalker?
Another creepy point, one of Brigitte's daughters was in Macron's class in high school. That's how Brigitte first met him. Most definitely old enough to be his mother. She wasn't really his teacher. Macron sought her out to help him write a play since she was the school's drama teacher. They met on Friday afternoons after school let out. He pursued her relentlessly until he broke up her marriage.
Much as I am ecstatic that he beat Le Pen, it's a little disturbing that Macron had no respect whatsoever for either Brigitte's marriage or her husband's feelings. He saw something he wanted and felt entitled to and made sure he got it. He has similarly gone after the Elysée Palace and got that. Brigitte saw the chance to stop teaching high school and move to the Elysée Palace, so she dumped her husband and went for it. She has said as much in interviews.
Seeing a woman my age with a young sexy husband who adores her is cool but I feel sorry for her ex.
Another creepy point, one of Brigitte's daughters was in Macron's class in high school. That's how Brigitte first met him. Most definitely old enough to be his mother. She wasn't really his teacher. Macron sought her out to help him write a play since she was the school's drama teacher. They met on Friday afternoons after school let out. He pursued her relentlessly until he broke up her marriage.
Much as I am ecstatic that he beat Le Pen, it's a little disturbing that Macron had no respect whatsoever for either Brigitte's marriage or her husband's feelings. He saw something he wanted and felt entitled to and made sure he got it. He has similarly gone after the Elysée Palace and got that. Brigitte saw the chance to stop teaching high school and move to the Elysée Palace, so she dumped her husband and went for it. She has said as much in interviews.
Seeing a woman my age with a young sexy husband who adores her is cool but I feel sorry for her ex.
204
I think her daughters are in a good position to judge if there is creepiness here and they evidently do not think so.
9
We weren't there so we can't know, n'est-ce pas?
5
Yes, to everything you post here, except the word "creepy". It bespeaks someone who is encased in seeing the world in accepted, long-standing patterns that often are as bizarre as the age difference of this couple. Genuine love is hard to find and if you don't think so, that is "creepy" lack of awareness.
3
My son is 28 and has been living with a woman ten years older the last four years. I have always felt it was good for his maturation.
33
I want look like Madame Macron when I'm 64!! She is gorgeous.
I hope President Macron's term goes well. Madame Macron's decision to look to Michele Obama as an example is a great choice!!
I hope President Macron's term goes well. Madame Macron's decision to look to Michele Obama as an example is a great choice!!
352
"She is gorgeous." Is that supposed to be a compliment? It's EXACTLY the mindset that has us where we are today! What if she was ugly? Was Prince right: Is shoe size intellectually determinative? "Our" First Lady is "gorgeous." She's also someone who can say, "I earned my money the old-fashioned way."
39 vs. 15 is what it is; it's just not "the man" material. We already have a problem with bully male politicians, all of whom have "mommy issues." Can the world really afford a President of France subconsciously married to his mommy? Cracked eggs have more brains.
39 vs. 15 is what it is; it's just not "the man" material. We already have a problem with bully male politicians, all of whom have "mommy issues." Can the world really afford a President of France subconsciously married to his mommy? Cracked eggs have more brains.
3
Does she look to Michele Obama? Mme. Macron has good taste. I wish the French President and his gorgeous wife all the best.
1
She's an attractive lady who looks somewhat younger than her biological age. However, that does not excuse her behavior as a teacher with her student.
But what would folks say if she looked like Barbara Bush? or was fat, homely, wrinkled? Would it still be OK?
The lookism on display here is very saddening.
But what would folks say if she looked like Barbara Bush? or was fat, homely, wrinkled? Would it still be OK?
The lookism on display here is very saddening.
4
This is an empowering story for partnerships of all persuasions. I believe this gives Emmanuel Macron even more strength and a sense of purpose for the future of France-- it comes with his generation I think-- this greater freedom to follow his twists of fate. At any rate, I'm an American for Macron-- an Ameri-cron as someone so aptly put it.
there is no such thing as a first lady (or first husband/companion/whatever for that matter) in France ; the role has no institutional definition, and the spouses (when there is one, which was not the case for Hollande in the second part of his presidency) have a very unspecified place, apart form very protocolar occasions. It would be interesting that Pres. Macron and his wife keep that in mind.
14
I thought I read something like that in the article, but thanks Smart fox,for the insight geewhiz!
Then maybe she could apply for the job on the US side. She's guaranteed to do a better job than Melania.
3
What an interesting meeting that will be in two years for the 75th D Day ceremonies above Omaha Beach when it is almost certain the couples will meet: two women of greatly different ages( 47and 66 by that time) and two men who are also opposites in age( 72and 41)
Both leaders have enormous challenges ahead but perhaps their spouses can lead the way,
Both leaders have enormous challenges ahead but perhaps their spouses can lead the way,
15
Are you sure you have the Pence's ages right?
2
Trump will be LONG GONE by then!
3
She looks fabulous! It is definitely out of the ordinary and I don't get the 2.5 decade difference regardless of who is older; particularly when your kids are the same age as your spouse. But, it is interesting to see a vibrant, sixty-something woman having the time of her life and not relegated to sitting around with or taking care of an aging husband! Since women have a statistically longer life, why not go with someone younger.
178
I just learned this today. What a pleasant and refreshing surprise!
48
How is this a great love story? It's a story of hebephilia, maturing into an affair and divorce.
age differences are no ones business... unless they happen to cross crucial boundaries of maturity, or implicate a power imbalance like the teacher/student relationship.
Somehow the uniquely French obsession with romantic taboo lives on, and this is a beautiful love story. ( As moving as the Shakespearean tale of Juliet and Friar... wait what? That's not OK! That's teenager and adult authority figure, not two star-crossed teenage lovers!)
age differences are no ones business... unless they happen to cross crucial boundaries of maturity, or implicate a power imbalance like the teacher/student relationship.
Somehow the uniquely French obsession with romantic taboo lives on, and this is a beautiful love story. ( As moving as the Shakespearean tale of Juliet and Friar... wait what? That's not OK! That's teenager and adult authority figure, not two star-crossed teenage lovers!)
39
Amazing, who are we to judge, do you know the couple personally? Is this worse than the current US presidential couple, an old man whose wife looks completely bored in his presence (and stays away in New York). I know lots of happily married, stable French couples, every modern nation these days have their own unique traits when it comes to romance, love, married life. Although I do agree that divorce when children are involved is never a good thing, unless her children had already attained adult life when she left her husband.
2
A feel good story, all the way around.
48
Seriously? Evidently, you are not a teacher.
4
Finally, some good news!
My sister is 22 years older than her partner. They've been together since he was in his very early 20's. For whatever reason it works so who are we to judge? I wish the Macrons many more years of wedded bliss.
221
The Macrons found the great love of their lives in each other and did not let convention get in the way of it.
228
Convention? You mean like the frowning on relentlessly pursuing a person married to someone else, with whom they have three children?
Yes, time to get rid of those silly ancient notions.... you know: commitment, fidelity, etc.
Yes, time to get rid of those silly ancient notions.... you know: commitment, fidelity, etc.
4
They are the antipode to the Beaver-Cleaver-Family-on-acid we now have occupying the White House. Vive la France!
413
Vive la diference...........
46
In France, when a woman attains a "certain age" she does not become invisible. This attitude is so refreshing. The Macrons seem to be a well-suited couple, Vive la France!
731
Yes she does. You're just seeing one of the very few exceptions.
5
I do get tired of the media's insistence on boiling women's issues down to a lens focused on "first ladies". But it's hard to resist a comparison between the Macrons and the Trumps. Where is Melania? Surely her kid's school year is finished by now.
66
Not quite. Probably in June. I don't envy her.
50
A quick search indicates that the NYC public school year extends to nearly the end of June. I suppose private schools might vary.
I offer this as neutral information. I have no interest in defending Trump family values—a phrase my fingers could barely endure to type.
I offer this as neutral information. I have no interest in defending Trump family values—a phrase my fingers could barely endure to type.
71
But Barron is not IN public school - his private school ends June 9.
15
Why do people care so much about Mme. Macron's age? Sure, she is 24 years older than her husband. So what? Melania Trump is 23 years younger than Donald Trump, but nobody writes about that.
The Macrons seem to be happy and in love. Who could ask for more? Leave them alone.
The Macrons seem to be happy and in love. Who could ask for more? Leave them alone.
949
Viva la difference!The Trumps do not seem happy or in love. (Perhaps they are. But it's hard for anyone to replace/beat out Donald's love for himself. His wife appears to be a classic trophy wife and finishes in second place.)
72
Like it or not, it is bizarre. On the other hand, discussion of the fact is pure cattiness. I agree, if Mr. and Mrs. Macron are a happy and loving couple that is what counts. Furthermore, if Mrs. Macron can help her husband be an effective political representative of the mass of French citizens all the better.
Regarding Mr. Trump, there is nothing positive to write about his personal or professional lives. He and his wife are not the topic here in any case.
Regarding Mr. Trump, there is nothing positive to write about his personal or professional lives. He and his wife are not the topic here in any case.
15
I'm sorry, but it is not nearly AS bizarre as Trump & Melania. Unlike them, Macron & his lovely wife are BOTH attractive, engaged people—A couple who treat each other as equals, completely unlike the Trumps.
7
She is beautiful, bright and ravissante. Vive La Belle France and congratulations to the First Lady and her husband, President Emmanuel Macron!
340
This story is great. THEIR story is even better. Sad to think that in the U.S., I doubt that any candidate could be elected in Mr. Macron's situation. After all, as any Republican will tell you, true family values are very important. Just ask the thrice-married grabber of women's you-know-whats.
597
IOKIYAR! Any Democrat with a much younger wife or husband would be pilloried.
5
Any Democrat whose staff repeatedly held secret meetings with a foreign hostile power would not only be pilloried but right-wing talk show hosts would be demanding they be tried for treason.
5
So....no Democrats in Congress were ever divorced twice?
We've had two divorced Presidents before Trump; both had 2 marriages. But having one more than that is a tragedy? (Plus Trump is older than most Presidents!)
Trump did not marry nor seduce any underage women -- Melania was in her mid-twenties when they met. She was not his intern -- his employee -- or his student.
We've had two divorced Presidents before Trump; both had 2 marriages. But having one more than that is a tragedy? (Plus Trump is older than most Presidents!)
Trump did not marry nor seduce any underage women -- Melania was in her mid-twenties when they met. She was not his intern -- his employee -- or his student.
2
As a committed Darwinist, I say...."perhaps not.."
But as a woman, and one of a certain age, I say...."Yummy...." and wish them all the best.
But as a woman, and one of a certain age, I say...."Yummy...." and wish them all the best.
87
Norma Manna Blum:
Oh, I see. Given your "yummy" perspective
(because that really *is* the key takeaway of this tale of Les Macron), objectification apparently swings both ways. Compliment = judgment = genuine gender parity.
Oh, I see. Given your "yummy" perspective
(because that really *is* the key takeaway of this tale of Les Macron), objectification apparently swings both ways. Compliment = judgment = genuine gender parity.
3
If she isn't a predator, then neither is any middle-aged male teacher who falls in love with and eventually marries a 15 year-old.
It's fair to try to refrain from judging people you don't know personally, and to remember that compassion can make for accuracy. There's that old saying, 'don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes. It's an idea feminists and social darwinists have very little use for. If the ages were reversed, it would be difficult to claim that no one was blinking an eye. We'd hear a lot about it.
15
Reread your first sentence and your third sentence and let me know how you make out once the cognitive dissonance subsides.
2
@TPM Has your eye"blinked" at the djt & Melania coupling? 23yr difference!!! what's more they don't seem to have great affection for each other. Occasionally one wonders about the terms of their Pre-nup .....
4
She's beautiful, stylish, wise. No wonder he fell in love.
248
I have no issue with the age difference and do find it refreshing for once read about a younger man with an older woman instead of the other way around. With that said, now reading that they met when he was 15 and she was his teacher, I find the relationship disturbing.
Do you think this would be such a kind article if you turned the relationship around and she was the 15 year old student and he the 39 year old teacher with three kids?
Do you think this would be such a kind article if you turned the relationship around and she was the 15 year old student and he the 39 year old teacher with three kids?
64
They didn't consummate it and didn't hide, either. His parents were aware and they all agreed, her included, that it would be better for him to go to a different school and be separated. That takes any creepy factor out for me. I don't know if I've seen a similar case with the sex roles reversed in to the more usual order.
221
Const, I found it disturbing that you didn't read, or want to comprehend the facts. It wasn't reversed so don't judge.
15
She did not pursue him, according to the story. His parents knew about the relationship and both his parents and his (at the time) teacher encouraged him to go to Paris to finish his education. At that point he was on his own. They were married in 2007 when he was 29, fifteen years after she was his teacher. Her daughters apparently approve of him. To me these are facts which prevent the tawdry aspects that might define this relationship in some people's minds. I would say the same if the student were female and the teacher male and they married fifteen years later, when the female student was 29.
184
This couple has a statistical chance of actually leaving this world at the same time. Here we are, something approaching love that almost,almost will last.
50
Vive the First Lady of France!
74
Donald is 23 years older than his third wife and no one is making a fuss.
271
And they don't even live together, DT has not encourager Melania to take a part in his decision making or tweeting.
26
they didn't meet when she was 15 "Brian"... that's the issue. I doubt he'd be pressident if they did.
3
Poor Melania, I bet she wishes she was going to live with Macron!
They look great together - well-suited.
70
Well, whaddaya' know. A mature democracy can elect an adult government leader. I wonder if it could every happen here?
164
Fascinating - a supportive spouse with a brain (brings to mind Michelle Obama)! Thank you for this wonderful story!
321
Not exactly role models, but none of my business either. I'm not in need of role models.
32
This gentleman has impressed me greatly. Offering France as a "home" for disavowed scientist's/researchers discarded by budget cuts in US. If Ms Macron had input into that proposal it is genius. It is what the US should do with displaced peoples from Europe.
134
Remember, we did that during and after WW II and what a blessing that was for us.
3
As I recall, scientists/researchers fleeing the looming holocaust in Europe contributed mightily to the scientific and engineering prowess of the US in the following decades. A more virulent, much more evil cause to be sure. However, the simultaneous limiting of immigration of the highly skilled and defunding of research institutions could lead to a similar result.
2
Twenty four year age difference. Same as the Trumps. Problem?
189
yes, he was 15 when they met. Trump's wife wasn't 15, she was an adult.
12
Donald Trump, upon meeting a 10 year old girl in Trump Tower, quipped, "in 10 years, I'll be dating her." The year was 1992. Trump was 46.
Mme. Macron did not "meet" him when he was 15. She taught him.
Big difference.
Mme. Macron did not "meet" him when he was 15. She taught him.
Big difference.
6
I am sure your comment would be identical if Trump met Melania when she was 15 and he was in a position of authority with her.
I love the new rules - It is not what you do but who you are.
I love the new rules - It is not what you do but who you are.
3
Great love story, France is not America and Macron is no Trump. He won his first love and they are together as equal partner in every step of the way. He gaining wisdom and confidence from Brigitte Macron and She has committed herself by his devotion and enthusiasm.
233
I hope he will be a very effective president. I hope they will both be happy. I don't envy her being in the public glare for the next years and beyond. Photographers, editors and others can be so cruel.
108
This is wonderful and can't help but say....how cool!
363
After years of political irrelevance, France is providing us with some very welcome hope and energy. Wondering whether the WH could be any different if 45 had a Brigitte Macron at his side. But then, that is too fanciful a question, because T would never be with someone he considers his equal; there is none in his deluded mind.
277
Donald and Melania Trump are about as far about in age as the Macrons; why is it OK for the Macrons, but awful for the Trumps?
After all, Donald met Melania as an ADULT -- he didn't seduce her as his student, intern or employee.
Come on, whether Mr. Macron is a successful French President or not, cannot be determined yet. But sleeping with and then marrying his teacher? when he was in high school? That's creepy.
After all, Donald met Melania as an ADULT -- he didn't seduce her as his student, intern or employee.
Come on, whether Mr. Macron is a successful French President or not, cannot be determined yet. But sleeping with and then marrying his teacher? when he was in high school? That's creepy.
4