What makes Salman Khan so popular?

Salman Khan, who is popular with all age groups, is truly a people's person. He is a hero for the masses and inspires his fans. He involves his fans while promoting his films, interacts with them and that's what makes him one of the most wanted Khans. People can connect to him and his style and his attitude has charmed one and all.

Charity: Salman the man with a golden heart has inspired many of his fans to get involved in charity work. The actor also launched Being Human, a non-profit organization which helps underprivileged children around India to get better education.

Salman’s famous dialogue ‘Ek Baar Jo Maine Commitment Kardi To Main Apne Apki Bhi Nahi Sunta’ is something he implements even in his life. He is known for maintaining his relations and has always gone out of his way to help his friends. Recently, the actor was seen promoting Aamir Khan’s Dhoom 3 on the sets of Bigg Boss 7. He is popular for his support to many. His selflessness makes him popular in Bollywood.

Entertainer: He is a true entertainer. His unique dancing skills and ability to say what he wants has thrilled many. Salman has a different way of dealing with criticism and his dexterity to keep the star power away from his personality makes him the true Dabangg star of B’town.

Godfather to many: Salman Khan has encouraged many aspiring actors to make it big in Bollywood. He has been a fitness guide to actors like Govinda and Mithun Chakraborty. Newcomers like Arjun Kapoor, Pulkit Samrat, Zareen Khan and Katrina Kaif don’t miss a chance to speak about Salman’s generosity.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

10 things you didn't know about Salman Khan

#Salman Khan is 48 today. Here are 10 facts about Salman that you may or may not know.

Salman could have become a pro swimmer if he had so wanted. He was a swim champ at school and even tipped to represent India.

Salman's favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone and favorite actress, Hema Malini.

Salman was offered the lead in Abbas-Mustan's Baazigar but the idea of playing a negative character didn't appeal to him. The role went to Shah Rukh Khan and made him famous.

Even though, Salman has been ambassador of a shoe brand, he prefers going barefoot in real life.

Salman always wears a turquoise stone bracelet on and off the screen. His father Salim Khan also wears a similar bracelet and considers it to be very lucky.

Salman, reportedly, flew his own cook to London from Mumbai to dish up biryani to the cast and crew of the movie London Dreams who were tired of eating continental food.

The actor loves to drive and is fond of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Cruisers.

Salman loves Chinese food and his favorite restaurant is China Garden in Mumbai.

Salman has a soap fixation. His bathroom at home is stacked with soap of every sort and he especially likes those made with natural fruit and vegetable extracts.

Salman is the subject of two fatwas issued by Muslim organizations - one relates to the wax statue of him in Madame Tussaud's, the second is in connection to his presence at Ganesh Chaturthi pujas. In both cases, the fatwas allege that he contravened the Islamic law that forbids the worship of idols.

Source: http://movies.ndtv.com/

7 ways to choose the right life partner

 by Meghna Mukherjee

Selecting the right life partner is necessary to lead a happy married life. Here's how you can select your perfect one

There are many factors that one needs to consider when choosing a life partner. The most important aspect is to consider things that are crucial to you.

·                        Find someone who you can connect with easily
              It is very important to choose somebody who you can easily strike a conversation with.                  This way, you can enjoy doing things and talking about them together without getting                  bored.

·    Potential partner with same interests
Selecting someone who shares a lot of common interests with you will work in your favour. Remember that all your interests don't really have to be the same, but some would do. Says clinical psychologist and relationship expert Seema Hingorrany, "When you decide to spend your life with someone, you must look at things that the two of you would love to do together. For example, if you are a movie buff, you would ideally like to be with someone who enjoys movies as well. This will make your life interesting."

·    Consider your partner's intellect
If you are a laid-back person and your partner is an over-achiever, that could lead to a threat in your marriage. You must see eye to eye on how both of you are able to think and process things.

·    It's okay to have standards
While choosing a life partner, you need to consider your and your family's standards. Though it's okay to choose someone who probably does not belong to the same strata of society as yours, make sure that he/she's not completely off the mark.

·    You should have respect for one another
You obviously cannot spend your life with someone who has no respect for you or your dreams/goals or your personality. So, choose someone who will acknowledge you for the rest of your life.

·    Is your potential trustworthy
In this day and age, it is extremely important to choose someone you can trust. You definitely cannot lead a happy marriage if you cannot trust each other or have faith.

·    Spend time together
Just as important as it is to have similar interests, it is also crucial to be with someone who gives you enough time and who you would love to spend time with.


Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

8 Jewellery Essentials for a Traditional Indian Bride

8 Jewellery Essentials for a Traditional Indian Bride

By Namrata Chandra

Maang Tikka

This beautiful piece of jewellery had lost its charm until recently as it is back with a bang. It fills up the center parting, i.e., maang that a bride has to keep for her groom to fill in the sindoor later. You can choose a heavier maang tikka if you have a broad forehead and a light delicate one for a smaller forehead. Usually, the maang tikkacomes along with the bridal set so that it is of the same metal and colour scheme.

Necklace

Obviously the most important piece of jewellery, the haar or the necklace should be worn by every bride. Not only does it cover the bare neck area but if properly matched with your outfit, accentuates your look even more. Popular necklace designs nowadays come in Kundan, diamond and gold.

Earrings

Now, how can you wear a beautiful necklace but leave your ears bare? Your earrings and the necklace complement each other. It is your choice whether you want to wear huge and heavy or delicate ones. You have to wear them for the entire night, so this decision should be made cautiously. Heavy ones can cause much pain to your ears. Also, diamond and stone studded earrings go with lighter pastel tones of the bridal wear while gold pieces look good with reds and maroons.

Nose Ring

Wearing a nose ring, whether a small stud or an elaborate one with a string that connects the nose ring and the earring is one’s personal choice. Though it is the most beautiful element of Indian jewellery, it may not necessarily suit every bride.

Bangles

Bangles, bangles and lots of bangles are what a traditional bride needs to don. On the wedding day, a bride is expected to wear real gold/diamond bangles. Girls wearing a chudacan slip in a few gold bangles orkadas at the beginning of thechuda. Also, in some Indian cultures, the tradition is to wear no gold but glass bangles of vibrant colours.

Finger Rings

Finger rings are also an important component of the wedding jewellery set. The bride wears her engagement ring along with the one that she gets with her bridal set. Wearing more on each finger is a personal choice. Colourful stone studded rings, matching the colour of the outfit also look good.

Payal and Toe Rings

An anklet or payal is worn by brides of almost all the different religions and cultures in India. Some wear it out of tradition and some for the look. Toe rings bear a deeper significance. In India, toe rings symbolise the mark of a married woman.

Waistband

Just like the maang tikka, waistbands are back in vogue. A slim and elegant waistband not only forms a part of the jewellery set but also enhances the beauty of the bare torso area.

So all you beautiful ‘to-be-brides’ out there, get going and start collecting these 8 essential jewellery pieces and look traditional yet glam on your wedding!

Source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com

Tradition of Payal in India

Since ancient times, payal or anklet has been an important jewelry for Indian woman. Even today this piece of traditional jewelry has not lost its charm a bit. Payals are still one of the most important fashion accessories of modern Indian women.

Since ancient times, payal or anklet has been an important jewelry for Indian woman. Even today this piece of traditional jewelry has not lost its charm a bit. Payals are still one of the most important fashion accessories of modern Indian women.

Gift for New Born Girls
Silver payal in exquisite carving is one of the most popular and traditional gift for new born girls. Small tinkling bells are usually added to the baby payals so that when little girl learns to walk she delights everyone with the "chham chamm" of her payal. Attachment of young girls with payals is formed quite early thus and remains for life.

Wearing Payal on Traditional Occasions
On traditional occasion such as festivals and weddings, most girls adorn their feet with designer payals. Most girls in India keep quite a collection of silver payals. These days ankle chains made of less precious materials like rubber, seashells, beads etc are very much in vogues. These are worn casually on family get together or outings.

An Important Part of Indian Bride's Jewellery
Heavily crafted and designer payals are an important part of Indian bride's jewelry. Traditionally, the new bride announces her arrival in her husband's house with the tinkling sound of anklets.

Gift for the Bride
Payals are considered to be traditional and auspicious gift for the new bride in India. Heavily carves payals or payals embellished with exquisite meenakari work are an all-time favorite gift for the newly weds.

Tradition of Wearing Silver and not Gold Payals
Mostly, Hindu women prefer to wear payals made of silver and not gold. This is because Indians believe gold to be the metal of the gods and is therefore sacred. To wear it on the feet, the lowest part of the body, is considered to be an ill-omen and disrespectful.

source:http://www.surfindia.com/

10 Ways to Melt a Woman's Heart

Dedicated to Specially for Boys 

1. Call Her When you're feeling Sad, 

2. Ask to See A Picture of Her; 

When She was a Child..! 

3. Occasionally Call Her; 

By Her First and Middle Names, :)) 

4. When She's feeling Insecure; 

Stare Into Her Eyes and Tell Her;

"There is No-One in the World 

Who could be as Right for you as She Is.." 

5. Call Her just Before you get on the Plane, :)) 

6. Try Desperately; To Make Her Laugh 

When She's feeling Down, 

7. In the Middle of a Conversation; 

Tell Her you Love Her.. :)) 

8. Notice When She's Wearing Something New, :)) 

9. Hug Her When She gets Jealous.., 

Hug Her Hard..! x 

10. Put your Arms Around Her; 

When you Introduce Her to your friends and family.. 

Must Try Guyz, 

Its Really Works.. 

An Eternal Love Story- Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh by Meenu Bahuguna

They fight, they play

and that’s the way, 

they are meant to stay!

Some Love Stories are Meant to be Forever…

Year 2002, it was a day just like any other day but who knew two hearts are going to be one and forever after this day. A 16 year old girl, full of inhibitions came at the Hyderabad airport with her mom to meet a young boy from an influential family of Maharashtra. The girl was Genelia D’Souza and this young man was none other than Riteish Deshmukh.

Surprising Twist- Destiny has Different Plans

Initially, Genelia thought that being a chief minister’s son, Riteish will be a spoilt brat and full of tantrums. So, she decided to give him attitude before he did! Oblivious to her thoughts, Riteish arrived on the terminal and saw this tall girl, who shook hands with him and started looking in a different direction. This cold reaction left him wondering, as why she was behaving so awkward? 

This was their first meeting for the test shoot of their debut film- Tujhe Meri Kasam. 

On the Sets...

To Genelia’s surprise, opposite to her thoughts, Riteish came out to be extremely humble and polite with everybody on the sets. During the shoots, Riteish was immensely respectful towards Genelia’s parents. The actress found it endearing that despite being the Chief Minster’s son (Late-Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh) Riteish was completely down-to-earth.

Best Friends Forever- They Complete Each Other

The story moved forward from here, the two youngsters made things easy for each other on the sets. Not much people know Riteish is also a professional architect, and architecture is what he used to discuss with Genelia on the sets. And young Genelia used to share updates about her college and exams with him.

I Love You- Never Happened 'Officially'

Soon, they became best friends off the sets. The fondness grew but no formal proposals were made from any side. 

After the Hyderabad shoot, Riteish came back to Mumbai. By now, he had started missing Genelia’s company. She also could not keep herself untouched by his charm. The aura of Riteish was slowly taking over her.

Love was never a sudden thing for them, It was a slow process, where they first got to know each other and before they could realise it, they were in love!

Journey from Friends to Best Friends to Life Partners

A 16 year old girl and a 24 year old boy, met back in the year 2002. They gradually fell in love and after a 9 year long relationship, finally tied the knot on February 3, 2012. This youngest couple of Bollywood literally grew up together. The beauty of this relationship is that they were so used to each other as friends that till now also they don't know when love 'officially' happened and who proposed whom?

A Decade of Love but the Discovery is still ON!

In the times, where break-ups and link-ups are like the trends around, this is one inspiring couple that has stood by each other for more than a decade now. Riteish- Genelia, have always been in love since their first film, but being from a non-filmy background, never disclosed it in the media.  The strong bond of commitment between them has made them the first couple of Bollywood to never have a single share of controversy or link-ups with any other co-star till date.

Secrets to a Happy Married Life: A relationship based on understanding and friendship without insecurities, makes this beautiful couple shine out from rest of the celeb crowd.

Those Unsaid Promises:

Riteish: Genelia gives him unconditional support and love. Her love is the most amazing thing for him. He is deeply and madly in love with his wife.

Genelia: Riteish is a secure husband and even the decision to work in movies after marriage is totally her choice. Her husband is always by her side to support her in her decisions. For her, guys like Riteish are rare in today's world.

Most Beautiful Part about This Couple

There were no formal proposals, no candle light dinners to woo each other. For Riteish and Genelia being happy with the person one loves has always been the most important thing. With their parents' blessings always by their side, this couple never gave a second thought to marriage. The most romantic aspect of this celeb-jodi is that they started off being friends and even after their marriage are still the best of friends.

A journey from being 'sweet' young lovers to a beautiful 'mature' married couple- Wishing this cutest couple's love to blossom and be as pure as it is now- Forever!

Source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com

4 Reasons to Match Kundali before Getting Married

By Parul Singh

Marriages in India are largely based on Kundali Milan(horoscope matching). It is considered as a crucial step before the final commitment to the prospective bride and groom. Although, not many believe in this horoscope matching ritual. But those who do, will not get their daughter or son married without matching the ‘gunas’ with their prospective partners. Read on to know the reasons behind this kundali matching custom.

1. To check marriage compatibility

Marriage, in Hinduism is considered to be a sacred union which the couple should not only abide by in this life but for the next seven successive lives too. Horoscope basically reflects the planet positions of a person and their effects on his/her life.
According to Shastras, nature considers man and women as single identity post marriage. As a result one spouse’s destiny, luck and fate influences the other. It can either create wonders or lead to a bad relationship. This is why kundali milan plays a vital role in decoding the marriage compatibility of two people.

2. To know relationship quotient

‘Guna’ or ‘Ashtakoot’ is one of the major parameters taken into consideration while matching akundali.  Altogether, there are eight gunas which are taken into consideration to test the amity between two people. Each guna has different numeric points which when added, sum up to a total of 36. The marriage is acceptable if two kundalis match with 18 or more points. Higher score means better compatibility. 

• Varna – Matching of the castes
• Vashya – Attraction
• Tara – Longevity 
• Yoni – Nature and characteristics
• Graha Maitri – Natural friendship
• Gan – Mental Compatibility
• Bhakoot – Relative influence of one on the other
• Nadi – Possibility of child birth

3. To foresee mental and physical compatibility  

Both the partners' mindset, behavior, temper, interest and aptitude are predicted through kundali Milan. This ensures a happy marriage. Also, the level of physical attraction is tested since marriage cannot survive if there is no feeling of desirability for each other. Moreover, the health condition of to-be bride and groom is also a point to be considered.

4. To foretell financial conditions and family adjustment

Financial stability is one thing which every parent looks into. What will be the job prospective in the near future; chances of promotions are analysed through kundali. Besides this, the other thing that is tallied is the adjustment parameter. Whether the girl and the boy can adjust with each other and their respective families or not, whether they can adapt to changing situations or not are part of the matching ritual.

Kundali milan is done to ensure that the newlyweds live a ‘happily ever after’ married life.

Source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com

5 Bad Beauty Habits Soon-to-be Brides Must Break By Sharanya Manola

Wrapping wet hair in towel

Locking your tresses in a towel after a head bath is a recipe for disaster! Shampooing your hair is not the end of your hair care regime. Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage as it can stretch easily.

Why avoid it: If you rub your hair with a towel, it gets tangled and breaks the hair shaft. This damages your otherwise healthy hair. Is it worth the risk? You can squeeze excess water by gently using a cotton cloth as big as a towel as cotton is gentler on your hair. To detangle your hair, use a wide-toothed comb.

Pricking pimples

You pricked it as it was embarrassing and you squeezed it because it looked ugly. Admit it, you all have done this?Why avoid it: While it is tempting to pinch an eruption, it is best to let it die its own death and heal naturally. Pricking increases the chances of scars and may also worsen inflammation. If you have a chronic acne or infection, it is best to go to a dermatologist who would guide you better and prescribe medications and procedures, if required. Moreover, eat skin-healthy foods and follow a skincare regime to avoid a pimple that spoils your day.

Using makeup brushes and sponges without cleaning

Do you clean your hairbrush and comb regularly? Do you clean your toothbrush? Then why do you insist on using and reusing your makeup brushes and sponges without thinking about cleaning them, even if occasionally.

Why avoid it: Germs and skin oils get trapped in your makeup brushes and sponges. These come in contact with your face when you use them without cleaning them properly. So, before that makeup brush comes in touch with your face, give it a good rinse with some lukewarm water, and allow them to air dry. You can also clean them with a mild shampoo. Do this at least twice in a month.

Heat styling your hair too often

Do you like to style your hair every other day? Well, remember that you are causing an irreversible damage to your hair.

Why avoid it: Heat styling is one of the most common causes of split-ends, and dull and brittle hair. If you can’t give your hair some rest, we would recommend you go natural at least two-three days a week without styling. This gives your hair ample time to get the lost moisture back. As it is you will be doing a lot of elaborate styling for your wedding functions, so give it some break before the ceremonies begin.

Sleeping with makeup on

Do you sleep away to glory with smokey eyes, foundation-slapped cheeks and lipstick-laden pout, hoping to run into your fiancé in your dreams? Time to wake up before its too late for your skin!

Why avoid: Makeup clogs pores on the skin and discourages secretion of a lubricant that is responsible for moisturising your skin naturally. This eventually causes acne. Besides, eye makeup can cause an allergic reaction or infection.

Dear brides (or those who will soon be in their shoes), make a note of these beauty habits and break free from this vicious circle of bad beauty habits, before its too late!

Source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com

Importance of "Ek Chutki Sindoor" in Marriage....

Significance of Sindoor for an Indian Married Woman

By Parul Singh

Marriage is a sacred institution which marks the beginning of a new life for the bride and the groom. There are many rituals performed during the marriage ceremonies and each ritual has its own importance. But, the most important custom of every Hindu wedding is Sindoor Dana. Here, the groom puts sindoor (red vermilion powder) in his bride’s hair partition, thus symbolising her marital status. In some communities, it is the groom’s mother who does this part to welcome the bride in their family. Putting sindoor is not just a ritual, but signifies a long life for the husband. But, this is just one aspect of it. So, let us tell you more about this important practice.

A divine blessing

The modern society perceives sindoor as a demarcation line between the married and the unmarried women. But, this is not the case. This practice is much deep-rooted. The ritual has been performed for over 5000 years now. Its use has been well documented in Harappan excavations. Sindoor also finds a mention in the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahharis.

It is suggested that the red colour symbolises power. According to the Hindu mythology, a woman has to adorn sindoor till the time her husband is alive. Even Goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) and Sita (wife of Lord Rama), use to put sindoor in their hair partition. It is believed that Goddess Parvati not only protects the husbands of all the married women who put sindoor, but also wards off any lurking evil. So, the next time your wife applies it, she is indirectly praying for your long and healthy life.  

The science behind it

The application of sindoor is not just a ritual, but a practice which stimulates good health. On one hand it serves as a longevity prayer for the husband, but on the other it keeps a tab on the woman's physical well-being. The sindoor is prepared using mercury, turmeric and lime. Mercury acts as a catalyst that helps to ease stress and strain. It also helps in keeping the brain active and alert. Other than this, mercury also helps in controlling blood pressure, activating sexual drive and libidinal energy. This is why, a widow or an unmarried woman is forbidden from applying sindoor.

For a happy married life

From vaastu to feng shui, women make every possible effort to bring in happiness and prosperity in their homes. But, it is this ritual of applying sindoor which can ease all your efforts. According to the Hindu astrology, applying sindoor in the hair partition is considered to be auspicious as it brings good fortune. Besides this, it is believed that putting the red vermilion powder also activates the chakras in the forehead and on the crown. This attracts cosmic and pranic energy, and bestows the couple with prosperity and good health. 
So, now you know why the elderly women in Hindu families put emphasis on applying sindoor. From the day a woman gets married, this vermilion colour becomes a part of her entity. 

source:http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com

4 Lessons Indian Husbands Must Learn from Sachin Tendulkar By Meenu Bahuguna

Sachin Tendulkar, the Master Blaster, is an inspiration to the world. He made his international debut when he was merely 16 years old. Mathew Hayden, the Australian batsman once said, “I have seen God, he bats at no. 4 for India in Test.” He clearly meant Sachin Tendulkar.

Our 'Little Master' has made the world proud with his antics on the field and has been named among the greatest cricketers of all times. Professional achievements aside, there is another part to Sachin– a shy boyfriend, a loyal husband and a committed life partner. As inspirational as he is in cricket, there are a lot of things that all Indian husbands can learn from this 'God of Cricket' too.

Dedication and commitment

For a person of Sachin’s stature, there is definitely no dearth of beautiful temptations. But Sachin is one of the few cricketers whose name has never been involved in a controversy with regard to his love life. While some of his contemporaries were chasing Bollywood divas, Sachin remain chaste and oblivious to abounding enticements surrounding him in all part of the world. His commitment and love towards his wife is really inspirational. Well it won't be wrong if we say that every woman should be blessed with a husband who is as dedicated as Sachin Tendulkar.

Focus on qualitative time

Since Sachin travels all over the world almost all round the year, he hardly gets to spend a lot of time with his family. However, the Master Blaster balances his work and family by ensuring that he spends qualitative time with his wife and kids whenever he is at home. He takes them out on holidays, family dinners and bonds with his family lovingly whenever around. His wife Anjali says, “He hasn’t spent Diwali at home since we got married. But it really doesn’t matter that it’s Diwali… any time he spends at home is great!” Sachin epitomises the fact that quality of time is always more important than quantity.

Only love matters

Sachin’s wife Anjali is six years elder to him. She is at least one inch taller than him. She is from a different community and culture. But all these petty things just didn’t matter. For Sachin, the boyfriend, as well as for Sachin, the husband, love is all that matters. This is one quality that every husband can emulate. Nothing is bigger than love. Once in a BBC interview when asked about his dream women, Sachin answered ‘my wife’ without batting an eyelid.

Recognises his wife’s sacrifices

Unlike a lot of husbands who never recognise the sacrifices that their wives make for the family, Sachin has gone on record time and again recognising Anjali’s contribution in his life. He concedes that he never has the time to teach his kids or spend much time with them, he always endorses that it is his wife who manages everything so beautifully at the personal front. He recognises and respects the fact that Anjali gave up her doctor’s career so that she could manage the family.

He says that Anjali has been his biggest support and even mentioned that when he is on the field batting, his wife fasts for him!

Sachin Tendulkar is a true inspiration, not only in the field of cricket but also off the field. Be it love and dedication to his family or his humility, there is a lot that every man can emulate from him. So, all the husbands out there, look beyond the Master Blaster's cricketing shots and you are sure to score a century with your wife!

source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/

Physical attraction does make a difference in a marriage.

Physical appearance plays a crucial role in shaping new relationships, but does it continue to affect established relationships, such as marriage? In the current study, the authors examined how observer ratings of each spouse's facial attractiveness and the difference between those ratings were associated with (a) observations of social support behavior and (b) reports of marital satisfaction.

In contrast to the robust and almost universally positive effects of levels of attractiveness on new relationships, the only association between levels of attractiveness and the outcomes of these marriages was that attractive husbands were less satisfied.

Further, in contrast to the importance of matched attractiveness to new relationships, similarity in attractiveness was unrelated to spouses' satisfaction and behavior. Instead, the relative difference between partners' levels of attractiveness appeared to be most important in predicting marital behavior, such that both spouses behaved more positively in relationships in which wives were more attractive than their husbands, but they behaved more negatively in relationships in which husbands were more attractive than their wives. These results highlight the importance of dyadic examinations of the effects of spouses' qualities on their marriages.

Source: Beyond initial attraction: Physical attractiveness in newlywed marriage. By McNulty, James K.; Neff, Lisa A.; Karney, Benjamin R. Journal of Family

There are ways to find that perfect partner.

Marriage isn't all fun and games.

So if you're gonna do it, do it right. But how do you know who to marry? Should you just trust your feelings or pick the person who "looks good on paper"? Luckily, science has answers for us:

1) Find someone who you idealize and who idealizes you. (I've posted about the benefits delusion has on love before.) If you're already cynical about the person by the time you hit the altar, you're in trouble:

This study examined the long-term consequences of idealization in marriage, using both daily diary and questionnaire data collected from a sample of 168 newlywed couples who participated in a 4-wave, 13-year longitudinal study of marriage. Idealization was operationalized as the tendency for people to perceive their partner as more agreeable than would be expected based on their reports of their partner's agreeable and disagreeable behaviors. Spouses who idealized one another were more in love with each other as newlyweds. Longitudinal analyses suggested that spouses were less likely to suffer declines in love when they idealized one another as newlyweds. Newlywed levels of idealization did not predict divorce.
Source: "Positive Illusions in Marital Relationships: A 13-Year Longitudinal Study" from Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

2) Marry somebody with high self-esteem. Ladies, you're probably already attracted to this. Guys, watch out for women who don't feel good about themselves:

A model of the commitment-insurance system is proposed to examine how low and high self-esteem people cope with the costs interdependence imposes on autonomous goal pursuits. In this system, autonomy costs automatically activate compensatory cognitive processes that attach greater value to the partner. Greater partner valuing compels greater responsiveness to the partner’s needs. Two experiments and a daily diary study of newlyweds supported the model. Autonomy costs automatically activate more positive implicit evaluations of the partner. On explicit measures of positive illusions, high self-esteem people continue to compensate for costs. However, cost-primed low self-esteem people correct and override their positive implicit sentiments when they have the opportunity to do so. Such corrections put the marriages of low self-esteem people at risk: Failing to compensate for costs predicted declines in satisfaction over a 1-year period. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)

Source: "Commitment insurance: Compensating for the autonomy costs of interdependence in close relationships." from Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

3) Ladies, want a husband who is actively involved with his kids' lives? Find a guy with higher socioeconomic status. Plus it'll make your kids smarter. (Money never hurts, does it?):

Previous studies in developed-world populations have found that fathers become more involved with their sons than with their daughters and become more involved with their children if they are of high socioeconomic status (SES) than if they are of low SES. This paper addresses the idea proposed by Kaplan et al. that this pattern arises because high-SES fathers and fathers of sons can make more difference to offspring outcomes. Using a large longitudinal British dataset, I show that paternal involvement in childhood has positive associations with offspring IQ at age 11, and offspring social mobility by age 42, though not with numbers of grandchildren. For IQ, there is an interaction between father's SES and his level of involvement, with high-SES fathers making more difference to the child's IQ by their investment than low-SES fathers do. The effects of paternal investment on the IQ and social mobility of sons and daughters were the same. Results are discussed with regard to the evolved psychology and social patterning of paternal behavior in humans.

Source: "Why do some dads get more involved than others? Evidence from a large British cohort" from Evolution & Human Behavior"

3) Guys, you want to avoid that whole "involuntarily celibate" situation that men fear after years of marriage? Don't marry a woman who is sexually submissive:

Women are bombarded with images of women's sexual submission and subservience to male partners. The authors argue that women internalize this submissive role, namely, they associate sex implicitly with submission. The authors propose that this association leads to submissive sexual behavior, thereby reducing sexual autonomy and arousal. Study 1 found that women implicitly associated sex with submission. Study 2 showed that women's implicit association of sex with submission predicted greater personal adoption of a submissive sexual role. Study 3 found that men did not implicitly associate sex with submission. Study 4 demonstrated that women's adoption of a submissive sexual role predicted lower reported arousal and greater reported difficulty becoming sexually aroused; sexual autonomy mediated these effects.

Source: "Sexual Submissiveness in Women: Costs for Sexual Autonomy and Arousal" from Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

4) Find someone who is conscientious and even a bit neurotic if you want a long and healthy life together:

The present study tested the effect of conscientiousness and neuroticism on health and physical limitations in a representative sample of older couples (N= 2,203) drawn from the Health and Retirement Study. As in past research, conscientiousness predicted better health and physical functioning, whereas neuroticism predicted worse health and physical functioning. Unique to this study was the finding that conscientiousness demonstrated a compensatory effect, such that husbands' conscientiousness predicted wives' health outcomes above and beyond wives' own personality. The same pattern held true for wives' conscientiousness as a predictor of husbands' health outcomes. Furthermore, conscientiousness and neuroticism acted synergistically, such that people who scored high for both traits were healthier than others. Finally, we found that the combination of high conscientiousness and high neuroticism was also compensatory, such that the wives of men with this combination of personality traits reported better health than other women.

Source: "Compensatory Conscientiousness and Health in Older Couples" from Psychological Science