[brk]

startup first results in the issue of -- crap, gold diggers

This statement is funny. You seem to think you will make money of your first startup :)

For most people entering the startup world today... find a girl with a comfy couch that you can sleep on when you're broke.

In all seriousness, you need to assess where you really think you want to end up.

I got married fairly young. Started a couple of companies and have participated in many more. My wife is (mostly) understanding, and more importantly intelligent and a good reality check for most of my schemes and ideas. I couldn't imaging getting through some of the situations I've been in without having someone who is knowledgeable and unbiased to discuss these things with.

Figure out what you want to be when you grow up, and screen for a person who fits those criteria.

[josefresco]

... or just fall in love.

(tip: you can't screen for it)

[calvin]

Exactly. You can't write a business plan for love. It happens, or it doesn't.

[timr]

you can't really write a business plan for a startup, either. ;-)

[swombat]

I'm wanting to make some lewd joke about iterating rapidly and keeping a keen eye on your key metrics, but I've been told it's not the done thing around here.

If I tried really hard, I'm sure I could work out an exit/IPO into it too.