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I agree. There really is no reason to put up with a poor quality spouse. The trick is to not get yourself in that position in the first place.

As you wisely say, get to know the person well. Notice how they treat other people, and other members of their family. Are they cool headed normally, or subject to frequent rash spells? How are they in a crisis - prone to blaming others, or do they just get down to business and try to solve the crisis?

Unfortunately, I think too many folks consider marriage as a form of 'advanced dating' (kudos to Dr Laura), and that's a terrible mindset to engage in. In that context, it's not surprising that people make poor choices for a life-mate, and then one or both want out when reality sets in.