@Gnomeshatecheese @EmmyNoether I guess from my point of view, it seemed like the natural way of things to build/share a life with a friend. And whoever that friend happens to be, they then become your partner. I guess that's why dating (for the purpose of finding a lover) always seemed like learned behavior rather than a natural inclination.

The other natural way of things (though I acknowledge society is not set up like this) would to be to join a home that espouses a core set of values or expectations. At risk of sounding stupid, I'll give an example. Let's say the next step in the process for the school I grew up in was for us to all live in residence with each other. So really, a convent without Jesus. I've always felt very comfortable in the women's residences I've lived in in the past and was always disappointed that it couldn't be a permanent arrangement... absent going down to the front desk and saying you wanted to become a nun.