How to Choose a Man to Marry

February 01, 2007, 02:24 AM Post Comments

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There are no guarantees when a man and a woman say "I do." But the chances you will stay happily married for a lifetime skyrocket if a woman only marries if she finds four special qualities in a man--and refuses to do so if she doesn't.

Ranee A. Spina, author of "I AM Before 'I Do'" and a relationship researcher, insists that if women become more focused on who is in their life, instead of having any male in their life simply to elevate themselves to couple status, society would see more happy--and lasting--marriages. The problem with many unhappy marriages is women are choosing to walk down the aisle with the wrong man, at the wrong time.

It's all about self-awareness and the power of choice, insists Spina. A woman must first make a commitment to herself before she makes a commitment to a long-term relationship. The payoff is huge. A recent Women's Day survey showed that only 44 percent of the 3,000 married women who were surveyed said they would marry their husbands if given the chance to do it all again.

The four things women absolutely need to find in a husband so they can live happily ever after:

Choose a man who complements you socially. Are you a couch potato or a social butterfly? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that couch potatoes are more compatible with other couch potatoes.

Choose a man who is on the same page as you when it comes to sexual likes and dislikes. No explanation needed.

Choose a man who complements you financially. Talk about money before you walk down the aisle.

Choose to marry a man who matches you spiritually. Again, keep it simple. If you are religious, marry someone who shares your faith.--From the Editors at Netscape