How Not to Marry the Wrong Guy

Is He “the One” or Should You Run?

A Guide to Living Happily Ever After 

By  Anne Milford and Jennifer Gauvain, MSW, LCSW

There are plenty of books that tell you how to find the right guy, but now there’s one that helps you let go of the wrong one. So many women walk down the marriage aisle knowing that they are making a mistake. They say “I do” when they really want to shout “I don’t.” HOW NOT TO MARRY THE WRONG GUY: Is He “the One” or Should You Run? A Guide to Living Happily Ever After (Broadway; On Sale May 4, 2010; $14.99 Trade Paperback) answers the question, “Why do smart, talented, successful, worthy women consciously get engaged to the wrong guy?” and offers advice for letting go.

Anne Milford canceled her own wedding in 1992, five months before the big day. She never regretted her decision, and yes, she kept the monogrammed gift towels (hey, they were great for her guest bathroom). And as she told others about her pre-wedding qualms and her ultimate decision, Anne realized that her feelings were remarkably common. She learned from conducting hundreds of interviews that too many brides were staying in mediocre or bad relationships for all the wrong reasons—women who felt they’d already “put in too much time to quit now” or that “he’d change” once they were married.

HOW NOT TO MARRY THE WRONG GUY shares the real-life stories of these women who made the mistake of walking down the aisle as well as those who called of their nuptials. Both compassionate and realistic, this guide focuses on helping women recognize why so many them stay in poor relationships. It also helps them figure out what they want and need from their significant others. 

While the background and circumstances of every relationship differ, the reasons for staying with the wrong guy do not. HOW NOT TO MARRY THE WRONG GUY is filled with thought-provoking questions and helpful strategies that address:

• The Reasons: Whether it’s because they are afraid of being alone, afraid that no one better will come along, or because they are convinced that the situation will improve, women often stay when they want to get out.
•  The Signs: Red flags, that voice in your head, and instinctive reactions may all be telling you to let go of your current guy. Learn how to recognize, tune in, and pay attention to those signs that are trying to guide you.
• The Feelings: Cold feet or pre-wedding jitters?  It can be hard to distinguish the difference between the desire to marry “the one” or the desire to “get married.”
• The Breakup: Age, hurt feelings, financial fears might be a few of your objections that keep you from ending a relationship. Put these aside; hurting yourself to avoid hurting someone else temporarily is rarely the right answer.
• The Right Guy: Words of wisdom from those who have found the right guy and made it work. Decide what qualities you do want in a partner and stick to them.

Whether you are engaged, in a serious relationship, or looking for Mr. Right, HOW NOT TO MARRY THE WRONG GUY will help you decide to either take the plunge or run in the opposite direction. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Anne Milford has been a freelance writer and editor for more than twenty years. She canceled her own wedding in 1992 and has never looked back. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been happily married (to the right guy) for more than fifteen years. Jennifer Gauvain is a licensed clinical social worker who primarily works with couples and families. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and eight-year-old twins. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

To schedule your interview with Anne Milford and Jennifer Gauvain, please contact Emily Lyman in the Broadway Books publicity department at (212) 782-8351 or ELyman@randomhouse.com.