I have a confession: Since I’ve been engaged, the news of couples getting divorced gives me a case of the heebeegeebees. It saddened me before but now it actually more than saddens me; it scares me a little too. I realize this might seem self-absorbed but I’m being honest here. The most recent news of this kind was that of Tom Joyner and Donna Richardson. They were a seemingly “real” couple and had been married for 12 years. To give you context, the news of Evelyn and Chad splitting didn’t sadden me. I know, I know… I shouldn’t let what others do (or not do) influence me. And trust me, I’ve never been more confident that I want to marry my fiance than I am now. However, I cannot deny that stories like those of Tom and Donna calling it quits make me ponder. I ask myself, Did they really try to make it work? Did they truly give it their all? What was the final straw that made them throw in the towel and walk away from their vows?

And I know I can’t be alone — whether others admit it in a public forum or not. I think that is why people so appreciate Triple B features on couples like Steve and Sheona and Desiree and Craig. These couples remind us that everyone — yes, everyone — who says those vows will have them tested. Whether those vows are traditional or personally penned by the couple and whether they’re said in a colossal cathedral before 300 guests or in a county courthouse in front of 13 people. And then there are those unlikely sources who give us all a little nudge that the institution of marriage is something to be cherished regardless of what cards life has dealt you.

Thank God for (some) balance. And that little voice inside that says, we’re gonna do this thing and we’re gonna figure it out — our way.

How do you cope with news of married couples splitting? Do you ignore it? Accept it and just move on? Do you think I’m nuts? Sound off in the comments!