Whom Not to Marry by Father Pat Connor (2010)

This is the new single woman's Bible that shows how to distinguish Mr. Right from Mr. Right Now. Father Pat’s philosophy: a love affair may lead to marriage, but love itself cannot make a marriage work. That is why it is important to weed out the bad seeds before you fall in love.

I cite below a few of Father Connor’s Commandments to know whom not to marry:

• Never marry a man who has no friends, because he will not be able to have the intimacy that marriage demands.

• Never marry a man who cannot present you as his fiancé. If he is reluctant to use the term "us," or introduces you simply as a "friend", he is not ready to get married.

• Never marry a man who lives under his mother's skirts. There will be no space for you.

Author: Father Pat Connor has been a Catholic priest for more than fifty years. Having presided over more than two hundred weddings and conducted pre-marriage and marriage counselling for more than forty years, he is something of an expert. Born in Bordentown in Australia, where he is based, Father Pat travels the state giving talks on the subject of Whom Not to Marry. He also spent nine years in India as a missionary. This is his first book.

My thoughts: I read this book a few years ago in the Portuguese version. I am so glad to introduce you to this cute book which is written in a gentle, familiar tone that makes reading easy. I truly liked the way Father Pat covered this topic and I had a good time reading it. I also found it to be very perceptive; simple advice you ought to take into consideration when you are engaged and before you get married. Personally, I believe in intuition mixed with common sense. Value yourself and love yourself above all others. Remember, love always comes when least expected. Never search for it and when you meet the person who makes you smile, understands you, accepts you as you are; with your strengths and weaknesses, cherish him and don't take anything for granted. Nice guys exist, don't doubt it!