by Penny B

Created on: September 18, 2008

For better or for worse, til death do you part. Unfortunately, sometimes a marriage can end a little sooner than that, especially if your partner has some very bad habits.

I'm not talking about leaving wet towels on the floor or not putting dirty clothes in the hamper. It's not about leaving the toothpaste open or that annoying habit of chewing with their mouth open. You can even overcome the fact that they consistently put empty containers in the refrigerator, leave the toilet seat up (or down), or talk over you when you're trying to convey your thoughts.

Little everyday annoyances and idiosyncrasies (and we all have them) can either be overlooked, or with kindness and caring, can be discussed with your partner. It might take a few discussions to finally break them of some of their bad habits, but over time, they might actually learn to redirect their mannerisms and actions to where you can both live harmoniously in the same household.

Unfortunately, some habits just aren't so easily overcome with love and understanding, nor can they be overlooked. They can actually be the beginning of the end to your marriage.

Some bad habits, when not checked or changed are alcoholism, drug use, sexual addiction, gambling addictions and overspending.

Some might not see these things as being actual "habits" but rather "addictions", which may be two entirely different entities. However, the dictionary defines habits as "an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary". That would definitely describe an addiction. These are habits that have gone to the extreme.

These actions might start off as being an occasional, and possibly even acceptable occurrence, but when left unchecked, can escalate to the point where it disrupts a marriage or affects the spouse, as well as other family members, in a negative and damaging way.

ALCOHOLISM, DRUG USE, GAMBLING

These are the three major addictions that have ruined countless marriages. Your spouse may have the occasional drink after a long day of work, or possibly even smoke some marijuana with friends on the weekends. They may spend some time at the horse races or bingo as a night out, or make a bet on a sporting event from time to time.

However, if your spouse starts to use these activities as an escape from the pressures of marriage, parenting, work, or life in general, they can become a habit that spirals out of control. This can lead to several damaging effects, such as depleting bank accounts, losing

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