“Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh. “

W.H. Auden

I hope my daughter is in her mid-to-late 20’s before she gets married. I pick that time frame because I believe that’s when most girls stop thinking their moms are pains and start looking to them for advice.

I’ve got a boatload of advice for my little girl, but perhaps the most important thing I wish to impart is specifics on which man she should marry. I don’t care about things like color of hair, geography, or whether he went to a PAC 12 school (though that would be nice), but there are other qualities to which she should pay attention.

I covered the “Big Rules” last week (Love God, Love Others). But since today is Billy’s birthday, I thought I could do no better than to review a few of the qualities she should look for that her Daddy has in spades. Maybe if she’s not listening to me, she can find this post.

Stick with a man who knows how to keep all of your electronics in solid working condition. Trust me, IT support is tougher to find than old money. Make a wise decision here.

Marry a man not afraid to multitask. This is especially true if you’re riding a bike on vacation and trying to geocache. Remember that time when Dad saved the day? Pretty important advice!

Avoid men who take themselves too seriously. They are dull and having a dull marriage is, well, dull.

If you find a man who loves to do the dishes and leaves all of the cooking to you – take that deal. Cooking can be creative and fun. Dish washing never is.

When you find a man who makes fun of things you love (like teasing you about your new "Lorax" tree by sending you a doctored picture) while still making you laugh, you’re on track for a solid marriage.

Love a man who laughs at irony. (Remind me to explain the Six Flags dude to you later!)

Marry a man who likes being outside, but isn’t consumed with sports. A little goes a long way.

Embrace a guy who loves capturing the details of life, even losing a tooth. He will celebrate your wins and know how to encourage you.

Your husband shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, even from the dog. Helping each other is foundational in marriage because it keeps pride in check.

Stay with a man who loves to hold your hand. You deserve unqualified affection.

I am blessed by Billy in ways that I can't describe and for that I thank God!

10 Marriage Rules For A Daughter