Bloomberg reports that the smart money feels that the credit crunch is likely to result in further marriage / relationship break-ups, as money problems and difficult domestic arrangements just don't go. The news agency quotes Sandra Davis from Mishcon de Reya, who said: 'The credit crunch shows the more sinister side of human nature. When there are problems in a relationship, money papers over the cracks. But when the money is gone, the cracks are visible'.

Given this, we thought we'd re-run an old favourite from a few months back:

'Remember me ? I'm the live-wire who went on the prowl in New York's trendy bars and fashionable hang-outs last year in search of a gullible (and very rich) investment banker to keep me in the style I sought to become accustomed to.

Well, after a rigorous selection process (which needed to be concluded speedily in early December as I didn't want to miss out on the customary expensive 'first-Christmas' gift), I finally found my man.

Although not much to look at, he was everything I was seeking in a mate - he was dumb, became instantly besotted with me and was truly loaded! After a few weeks of expensive dinners, luxury goods shopping with his platinum plastic, a few days skiing and quick weekend hops to both Paris and Rome, however, it all went sour. First, I found out that he'd been married before - twice. And his ex-wives and kids (he seemed to have several, although I didn't find out exactly how many as I refused to discuss them) took a substantial part of his disposable income (money which clearly I thought I would have first option on). I almost bailed out then, but worse was to follow. I discovered that he was a mortgage-backed securities trader and, you got it, he got laid off  in February!

As my new car hadn't yet arrived ( I knew I should have pressed for it sooner), I was trapped. Forced to spend more time with him as he wasn't working, I was counting the days until the wheels arrived, and I could literally make my getaway. But then he did something really unbelievable - he downgraded my car order from a Porsche 911 Carrera to a Dodge Viper, claiming that he needed to be more careful with his money. I just couldn't believe how selfish he was being. Anyway, needless to say, I had to leave immediately.

So, I'm back on the market. Still 25 years-old (as I have been for the last several years), I'm now targeting lawyers - apparently those specializing in corporate recoveries and shareholder litigation are doing rather well at the moment, so I'm hoping to find my next 'partner' from the profession. A bonus is that lawyers are generally better looking than investment bankers (and slimmer too). The only downside, however, is that they also tend to be a little bit brighter, and I might have to work slightly harder (and be more clever) to obtain my dues. Wish me luck then.....'.

READER COMMENTS

1. 'I have a sneaking suspicion a lawyer wrote this!'.

2. 'You don't judge a car only by the year, but also the mileage - and this girl sounds like she has some serious mileage!'.

3. 'Just because this parasite is targeting stupid rich men ruled by what's between their legs doesn't make what she's doing OK. If there's any justice in this world, she should end up with nothing - which is exactly her 'dues!'.

4. 'He should run her over with that Viper!'.

5. 'I've seen this trade before....She's 25 years of age for at least 5 years, and 30 for 10. At  40, she seen more naked bodies than an army doctor. She ends up with a plumber, however, telling all her old girlfriends that she 'could have had a banker', but went for Billy Bob instead....'.

6. 'It is clearly unacceptable that a woman like this should live without the right wallet'.

7. 'Anyone who believes that this '25 year-old beauty' is anything other than a complete work of fiction is as stupid and as gullible as the men who feature in her stories! '.

To send this article to a friend, please use the 'E-Mail' button immediately under the title.

25 Year-Old Beauty Seeks Rich Banker (Updated)

Press here to comment on this story >>

Today in Life: Breakfast on the Thames >>

TODAY

• Top Firm Really On The Ropes Now
• Concerns Grow Over Big Bank Failures (One Or Two 'Whoppers' Likely)
• The 'Doughnut' Bonus Poll - The Results

THIS WEEK

• Another Major Firm's Going Belly Up
• My Firm's Hiring Freeze Is Tip Of The Iceberg
• Top Firm Imposes Hiring Freeze