ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsFinding your soul mate takes more than a "spark"

We've all heard the dismal statistics on divorce. More than 50% of marriages in this country are dissolved, often for irreconcilable differences.

Perhaps the problem comes when 2 people just fall in love with love and do not think about spending the rest of their lives with each other.

A Jewish online study site offers some insight into choosing the mate for life. Here are the three major factors to consider.

Don't expect your mate to change after you are married. If you're not happy with the person's spirituality, character, personal hygiene, communication skills, and personal habits before the wedding, don't think you are going to change them after you say "I do."

Secondly, focus more on a person's character than on chemistry. Chemistry ignites the fire, but good character keeps it burning.

Finally, make certain you and your mate share common life goals and priorities. This is the true definition of a soul mate.