Of all the questions you could ask your partner before you get married, I’m not sure Sheryl Sandberg’s suggestion is the number one, foolproof, happy-ever-after nugget of wisdom she purports it to be.

The Chief Operating Officer of Facebook recently urged women to ask any man they were keen on whether he was a “good guy” who “would support your career”.

Putting aside that it’s a bit of a fizzer on a first date, what does she expect the bloke to say? “Actually I’m a misogynist turd and while I totally support your little job — what is it you do again? — I’d be expecting dinner on the table by six.”

That said, it’s smart to do some due diligence before you drop $40K on a wedding so here’s 10 equally important questions to ask a future husband before you tie the knot. In the interests of equality, I’ve also surveyed some male friends who’ve provided a similar checklist for a potential wife.

media_camera Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, has one key question for potential suitors, but there are a few she missed. (Pic: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)

HER QUESTIONS

1. If money was no object how often in a month would you order an Indian takeaway?

During the limerence phase most men will agree to a Japanese meal even though they’d rather eat their own ear wax than a bowl of agedashi tofu. Fast forward 10 years and all they want is a vindaloo and a six-pack every Friday night, preferably eaten in silence while binge watching The Killing.

2. How would you describe your relationship with your mother?:

a) “Mum’s fantastic but I’m glad she lives 300 kms away.”

b) “I was just saying to Mummy only yesterday that she really ought to come with us to see the art galleries in the South of France. She really enjoyed those nude drawing classes we did together last year.”

c) “That bitch? Have I not told you what a conniving, self-absorbed poor excuse of a mother she was?”

Beware b or c. Mummy issues, like nose hair, only get worse with age.

3. Would you like me to drive?

Any man who thinks he should have unilateral command of a vehicle and refuses to be driven by a woman is either a) a knob or b) a knob.

4. Do you like children?

a) “Yes, I think we’d make great parents.” (Tick).

b) “Yes but I couldn’t eat a whole one.” (Infantile boy-man who will deflect on all issues of emotional depth, stringing you along until you’re 38 and virtually infertile).

c) “Sure, but I’m not giving up my surfing/fishing/golf/cycling. “ (Marry at your peril).

5. When did you last have a prostate/dental/blood pressure/hearing check?

Not too critical for twenty-somethings but if you’re attempting to re-partner post divorce this one is telling. A bloke who hasn’t looked after himself is going to be a liability, not an asset, no matter how rich he is.

6. Tell me three older actresses whose films you enjoy.

If he says Jennifer Aniston or Gillian Anderson instead of, say, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench or Meryl Streep then he doesn’t get it.

7. Have you seen the Hot Crazy Matrix on YouTube?

If he laughs, says yes, and points out you’re a unicorn, all good. If you then ask if he’s seen the female version — the Hot Emotional Unavailability Matrix and he hasn’t but refuses to, dump him.

8. Movies aside, with whom do you most identify: Charlie Sheen, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan or Matt Damon.

Needs no explanation.

9. When would you like to retire?

Determine whether you’ll end up with a workaholic or a slouch.

10. What makes you cry?

Beware any who can’t answer. Or the one who gets teary when his Mum presents him with a framed sketch from their nude life drawing classes.

media_camera ‘Will you marry me?’ is the easy question. ‘Do you like my friends’ is the hard one. (Pic: Supplied)

HIS QUESTIONS

1. How many pairs of shoes do you intend to own in your lifetime?

(Stupid question since what woman can anticipate future sales but say less than 100. He’ll never count).

2. Are you likely to initiate a discussion 10 minutes before the end of the State of

Origin decider?

(Answer: “Of course not you knob, I’ll be sneaking those Manolo Blahniks I bought on sale into the house.”)

3. Do you really like my friends?

(Vigorous nodding. The next day post sex perhaps mention that while you appreciate his mate Pete he’s like one of those dogs that are better kept outside.)

4. How long do you think a game of golf lasts?

a) four hours

b) six hours

c) all weekend

d) depends how long it takes me to beat you. (Become this woman).

5. Do you accept that mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, clearing gutters, taking stuff to the dump and dealing with vermin is housework too?

(Good point chaps).

6. Will you believe me if I tell you that you snore too? What if I recorded you snoring to prove it?

(Answer: How would you feel if I cut off your penis?)

7. How often do you anticipate your mother coming to stay?

(Fair question).

8. How do you feel about throw cushions?

9. How will we share caring for our children?

(Answer: are you angling for sex?)

10. Will you make me do stupid quizzes to see if we’re well-suited.

(Answer: yes).

Sheryl Sandberg: Men Still Run the World Sheryl Sandberg: Men Still Run the World

Originally published as 10 questions to ask your future husband (or wife)