Love

10 Easy Tips To Successfully Shop For A Good — No, Great — Husband

Photo: nadtochiy / Shutterstock
bride and groom

"Why isn't she married?" That's what people used to say about me. I'll admit it. 

Are you someone people say that about? Do you know someone like that? Then you have to read my book, How to Shop For a Husband. 

I spent years crossing guys off my potential dating list because I didn't like the way they ate their yogurt or I hated the shoes they wore. Then I would date all the wrong guys: you know, the cute ones who had no interest in settling down. And I would cry, cry, cry to my friends and relatives: "Why can't I find a husband?"

Well, I finally figured out why I couldn't find a guy, and I want to save women out there from the years of agony I went through. Ironically, I learned that if I shopped smart—just as I had always taught American audiences to do through my work, as a consumer reporter—I could land a great guy. It worked for me: Steve and I have been married for seven years now, and we have two little boys to boot.

Here's how to learn how to apply the rules of caveat emptor to your love life — no more scams, no more fruitless shopping trips, and no more bellyaching to your friends.

RELATED: 6 Honest Men Reveal "Sexy" Things Women Do That Aren't Sexy At All

Here are 10 easy tips to successfully shop for a great husband:

1. If you refuse to date guys for silly reasons — like "he wears ugly shoes" — you're being too picky

Keep in mind that you can often make "after-purchase repairs," especially when it comes to wardrobe selection.

RELATED: 20 Little Things Women Do That Guys *Secretly* Love

2. Look for a guy who will withstand the test of time

In other words, the guy equivalent of a little black dress. You want values and sincerity, not trendy packaging.

3. If you are absolutely not attracted to him, move on

It's as simple as that. You can't fix a relationship that never had the spark of mutual attraction.

4. The more you two have in common, the more likely it is that you will have a happy marriage

Studies overwhelmingly show that it is similarities — not opposites — that attract and stay together.

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5. Internet dating is an absolute must nowadays

Its greatest benefit is that you can niche market and really focus on the qualities that are most important to you.

6. You need to get out of the "women's department" and go shopping in the "men's department" in order to find the man of your dreams

Go where the men are: check out golf clinics, fly fishing, technology conferences, and business courses.

7. It's good to shop alone

Think about it: do your female friends have your best interests in mind — or are they competing for the few eligible men out there? Take a class, travel, and talk to guys. But do it on your own.

RELATED: The New Rules Of Dating, According To Research

8. Pick a guy who is not quite as good-looking as you are and make sure he is willing to do the dishes

No kidding. Scientific research shows that guys who believe they have married well looks-wise and those who help out around the house are the ones who stay in their marriages for the long haul.

9. Tell everyone you know that you are ready and willing to date

And then tell them again. Your dating life is not the first thing on your friends' minds, so be persistent. Everyone knows a marriage that resulted from a fix-up — yours could be next.

10. Recognize a scam when you see one

It's time to hit the stores again if he never wants to have sex—or if he only wants to have sex. And always keep in mind: if he looks too good to be true ...  he probably is! Caveat emptor, ladies, and happy shopping.

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