I have to say that there is a strong argument for that “who to marry” thing. Your partner has an impact on everything about your life.
For those who said job choice: Jobs matter little if your life partner is spending money faster than you make it.
I do agree with the having children thing. And if you made a bad decision on the marriage front, adding a decision to have children can set up a real hell on earth scenario.
A close second behind who to marry has to be who to divorce! I gotta tell ya, if you make a wrong decision on who to marry, that divorce decision is one that can truly save your life.
And yes, this is coming form someone who DID an 8 year sentence in a bad marriage , fortunately with no children. Despite inheritances, being the primary wage earner nearly every year of that marriage, and keeping the household financially supported while my Ex got 2 additional degrees after her first college graduation, i came out of that marriage having to borrow the $700 for the seperation papers from my father!
But a GOOD marriage is definitely the best decision in life. Financial stability, enjoying every day and the person you share it with, or what i just did… wake up next to someone you really love. If you have that, a lot of the other decisions are far less important… and far easier to make :-)