This thread is not to serve as an "argumentative" thread about whether spouses are useful or not. They are and they are here.
The purpose of this thread is to share information as to the best spouse given someone's particular play-style.

Could actually be turned into a fun forum Game.

For example:

" I'm just a Nord looking for love. I deal with most annoyances in life by hitting things till they die or go away.
Though I have quickly found that this is not always the best tactic in this grim land of Skyrim, lest I find myself knocking on the great doors of Sovngarde earlier than anticipated.
Thus, I need a wife who can cast spells . . . and cook (do I even need to put that in? Seems like a Nord has to these days ). Would help if she were immortal too and doesn't feel the need to die on me forever when stabbed by a thief in the Riven Market-square.
I'd hate to have to wipe out the entire thieves guild in blind rage ya know? Some of my good buddies are there."
- SkullMane, the Nord

So go on suggest a wifey for Skullmane