Statements like these are common among newlyweds. More than often your husband turns out to be everything but the person you were told he was. This can be trying and could even drive a marriage to the brink. 

So what can you do to prevent this from happening? How can you make sure that you are not marrying Mr. Wrong?

Bring on the Nosy Parkers

Inquisitive aunts and cousins have always been more than willing to dig up dirt on the prospective groom and bring those skeletons tumbling out. Colleagues and neighbours of the prospective groom are called upon to find out the 'details'. But how much of it is fact and how much is concocted, no one knows.

The Sherlock Holmes Way

It is not just the character of the person but also his intentions that have to be looked into before you make a commitment. Is he marrying you for the dowry being offered? Is he marrying you to please his parents who have rejected his girlfriend?

It is impossible to find out such information in a span of two or three days. Families are now turning to private detectives to learn about the prospective groom. "People are more cautious nowadays. They want to be sure that their marriage won't land up in a mess," says D. Kumar, Managing Director, Secret Eye Detective Agency.

All you need to do is send in his bio-data to a detective agency. The detectives then follow the person around to get a complete low-down on him. "We ask parents or brides-to-be for 15 days during which we find out the financial and social details," says Kumar.

The NRI Syndrome

An Indian groom settled abroad is a highly sought after match. Many believe it offers brighter prospects. But a groom overseas makes verifying credentials difficult... not to mention an expensive affair.

If you pay for the entire trip, detective agencies like Secret Eye send agents abroad to track your potential groom. "Previously, it was difficult to find details about a groom stationed outside India. But now there is a world-wide network," says D. Kumar.

Last, you can never be absolutely sure of anything. But marriage is a big step, so make sure you do all you can to find out if your perfect match is Mr. Right after.