As the classic cliche cautions: image is everything.
And in a world of instant news updates via "tweets", social networking, and constant media glare, a person charged with presenting a polished, sophisticated image of the United States at all times must constantly remember the potential domestic and foreign-relations results of letting any negative image of themselves appear at crucial events.
Unfortunately, it seems that First Lady Michelle Obama might have missed this memo while dining at Monday's inaugural luncheon, when a camera caught her twice rolling her eyes at House Speaker John Boehner, as he tried to engage her in conversation during Monday's inaugural luncheon.
To be fair, perhaps the conversation was not one of interest to the First Lady, as two men of opposing parties and viewpoints rarely engage in conversation that doesn't resort to anything less than verbal fistfights, threats to shut down the country, and taunts over whose party had the best celebrity endorsements during the 2012 campaign.
Nevertheless, Michelle Obama's lack of enthusiasm in being seated in such an honored position was well noted.
Mr Boehner made a remark to the First Couple and tapped Mrs Obama's arm, as if to ensure her that her viewpoint on the mysterious topic of conversation would be most appreciated, but she refused to make eye contact with him, according to video recording of the exchange that unfortunately does not capture the audio of the conversation.
As a thank you for inviting her to join what was most likely a top-secret conversation on the future of America as we know it, Mrs Obama rolled her eyes toward Boehner, offered a half smile and returned to eating her meal.
She then sat forward in her chair, allowing Mr Obama to lean behind her and exchange words with Mr Boehner.
A couple seconds later, Speaker Boehner again attempted to acknowledge Mrs Obama, nudging her arm a second time.
This time, she felt a more direct, "American" response was needed and she shook her head from side to side as she rolled her eyes and stared straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact with Boehner.
The president put his hand on his wife's shoulder and squeezed it, but the gesture did not change her "uninterested" body language.
The source of the animosity between Mrs Obama and Mr. Boehner remains a mystery, though it likely has something to do with the fact that he and her husband are political foes, resulting in a few extra grey hairs that Mrs. Obama had hoped to see after the second term ends in 2016.
Or perhaps two meals were too many for Mrs Obama to share with Boehner in one day. Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, the First Couple met for coffee with Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and their wives.
It is not known whether Speaker Boehner was upset by the lack of engagement; however it is assumed that once the election cycle of 2016 ends, all will be forgiven, and Boehner may even be able to look forward to an invitation to the opening of the Obama library.
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