4. Smoking
Regarding a study done by the University of Minnesota, adults who smoke cigarettes have a 53 percent higher likelihood of getting divorced than those who do not. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. If one of the couples does not smoke, they will be more aware of the odor. Smoking also produces cigarette butts and ashes, which can raise the risk of a house fire. When you live with a smoker, what was once a harmless habit becomes a significant problem.
When you have children, this becomes much more of a game-changer. My parents, for example, were both smokers when they first married. My younger brother was then diagnosed with childhood asthma at the age of two when he was born. The physicians said it was most likely caused by inhaling cigarette smoke. As a result, my parents both agreed to give up smoking at the same time. It was a no-brainer for them. The health of their son came first. My buddy, who got health problems resulting from her mother's smoking habit, had a similar experience. Despite knowing that she contributed to her daughter's health problems, the mother refused to quit smoking. Her parents were eventually divorced. While smoking wasn't the only factor, it makes you wonder how you can stay married to someone so self-centered.
