Why is it that when something is on your mind, there are reminders on every street corner and your innermost thoughts are displayed in neon lights or on billboards? For anyone worried about marriage or divorce, there's plenty of food for thought at the moment.

In 1997 I was at a football match where a boyish, floppy haired mid-fielder in a red shirt met a posh, spicy girl at full time. The Beckhams seemed to have something special from the beginning; something that money or fame would never ruin.

A few sarongs, missed penalties and allegations later and the first Mr and Mrs' of football and fashion are busy suing those who would suggest their marriage is on the rocks. With Britney and J-Lo both on their marriage hat-tricks, the season's looking bleak. At least Jenny from the Block has finally realised there's more to marriage than a new rock.

In the UK, divorce rates are soaring. Is it real life imitating the world of celebrities? Has it become fashionable to divorce? It's the girls who marry in their mid-twenties who account for a large chunk of the figures; many divorcing before they hit the big 30. Some say not to worry about this trend. The second marriages of all concerned will be much more fulfilling. The starter' marriage will set these women up for life.

Now that most women don't need to marry for money or security, what is the reason for such enthusiasm in practising the new signature and taking a trip down the aisle? Why do so many still prefer it to settling for living together'?

The latest Cold Feet-esque series, That Thing Called Love, on BBC 1, presented a moral: when it comes to real love and marriage: you can't afford to compromise. You have to be tied to your betrothed from the pit of your soul'. It was the men advising their female friends not to get married because you've worn your partner down by dropping hints, or because you're the last one of your friends on the shelf' and have been planning that white wedding since you first discovered the dressing up box' at the back of your playschool classroom. And certainly don't feel lucky' that someone wants to marry you!

How many intended brides really stop to ask themselves why they actually want to get married? Even more importantly, why this' person in particular? How many of us are lucky enough to have someone willing to probe and press us before taking that leap of faith?

And if it doesn't work out, it may be due to cruelty, adultery, desertion, or a whole host of other reasons. In many cases it probably comes down to a lack of real, gritty thought about what marriage really means and how it differs from living together.' How many soon-to-be-weds' sweep problems under the carpet because they don't want to risk calling off the big day? How many issues for discussion drop off the agenda until the rings have been safely exchanged? One thing's certain: if you have brushed things under the carpet, tread carefully because they may trip you up.

Is it getting married that is too easy, not divorce?