It is often said that no one can truly understand what occurs in a marriage other than the spouses themselves. The truth of this statement was reinforced by the recent announcement that "fairy tale" couple Heidi Klum and Seal is seeking a divorce.

Klum and Seal are known partially for the romance which seemed to characterize their relationship. They renewed their wedding vows annually and consistently displayed a great amount of affection for each other in public. However, this seemingly ideal union was apparently fraught with intense negative emotion.

Seal allegedly has a severe temper. Klum allegedly felt that it was too much for her and the children to cope with. This characteristic has been described by some as a "deal breaker."

The concept of deal breakers is rooted in the reality that even though your spouse may possess a great number of fine (and even wonderful) characteristics, one trait may so significantly impact your life or those of your children that you are compelled to say "enough."

Each person's limits are unique. Perhaps, like Klum, a significant temper is too much for you to take. Or perhaps carelessness with money, addiction, violence, infidelity or lying would cause you to hit your limit with your spouse. Regardless of how much love is involved in a relationship, traits which you can no longer abide may inspire you to move on to another phase in your life.

There are many valid reasons to divorce. Others may not be aware of or understand why your deal breaker is what it is. Your spouse may not even be able to comprehend why your limits consist of what they do. However, just as marriages can only be truly understood by the spouses involved, only you can know when you must say "enough."

Source: The Huffington Post, "Heidi Klum and Seal divorce over this 'deal breaker,' what's yours?" Jan. 23, 2012