Before racing to the altar,consider these 10 ways to marry the right person,by Kay Moffett and Sarah Touborg,authors of “Not Your Mother’s Divorce.”

1. Don’t marry before 30. You’re much less likely to “outgrow” someone if both of you marry a little older. Research shows partners are over 30 have a much higher chance of lasting.

2. Get a few significant relationships under your belt first. They’ll help you know what qualities really matter to you.

3. Marry from a place of strength and confidence. Not desire for safety.

4. Know your beau. Base your decision on who he really is,not who you wish he were.

5. Marry your equal. When one person dominates the other, you’re in for a rocky relationship.

6. Wait at least a year. Statistically,people who marry quickly also tend to divorce quickly.

7. Beware self-destructive tendencies. Even minor substance abuse can wreck a marriage.

8. Marry someone who has similar goals. Don’t wait until after the nuptials to discuss having children.

9. Marry someone you can talk to. If you can’t communicate before marriage,you won’t do any better afterward.

10. Don’t forget passion. You’ll need that fire to fuel the flame for years to come.