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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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 OPINION 
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How to Avoid Mr. Wrong

As wacky breakups abound, Dowd goes in search of rules of engagement

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(Newser) – Celebrity couples aren't always models of marital stability, but as Christie Brinkley, A-Rod, and Madonna join forces to hold the planet hostage, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd goes off in search of those telltale signs of who to avoid ending up at the altar with. She finds her answers in a 79-year-old Catholic priest, Father Pat Connor, who's been giving a "Whom Not to Marry" seminar for 40 years. Avoid swapping rings with:

  • "A man who has no friends—This usually means that he will be incapable of the intimacy that marriage demands."
  • "Someone whose life you can run—It's good to have a doormat in the home, but not your husband."
  • A man "overly attached to his mother and her mythical apron strings."
  • A man without a sense of humor—"That covers a multitude of sins."
  • “Finally: Does he possess those character traits that add up to a good human being—the willingness to forgive, praise, be courteous?"

Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez arrive at the grand opening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club at the Palazzo hotel and casino in Las Vegas, in this Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 file photo.
Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez arrive at the grand opening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club at the Palazzo hotel and casino in Las Vegas, in this Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, FILE)
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez reacts during a conversation as the Yankees take batting practice at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez reacts during a conversation as the Yankees take batting practice at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, July 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A 79-year old Catholic priest offers tips on how to pick the right mate before tying the knot.
A 79-year old Catholic priest offers tips on how to pick the right mate before tying the knot.   (Shutterstock)
It takes a lot more than chemistry to make a marriage work.
It takes a lot more than chemistry to make a marriage work.   (Shutterstock)
Christie Brinkley smiles as she walks past reporters during a break in her divorce trial against Peter Cook,  Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Central Islip, N.Y..
Christie Brinkley smiles as she walks past reporters during a break in her divorce trial against Peter Cook, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Central Islip, N.Y..   (Associated Press)
Peter Cook arrives at New York State Supreme Court for the beginning of his divorce trial against Christie Brinkley, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Central Islip.
Peter Cook arrives at New York State Supreme Court for the beginning of his divorce trial against Christie Brinkley, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Central Islip.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
In this Sept. 21, 1996 file photo provided by Rogers and Cowan, supermodel Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook pose on their wedding day at their home in Bridgehampton, NY.
In this Sept. 21, 1996 file photo provided by Rogers and Cowan, supermodel Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook pose on their wedding day at their home in Bridgehampton, NY.   (AP Photo)
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