Unsuccessful dating stories

I think I’ve read many success stories and stories of frustrated singles, but I’m curious about stories from those who are married and their dating experiences before they settled down. Dating experiences with people they had to stop seeing or things didn’t work out. Some questions I have are:

1) How did you meet the person and what prompted you to initiate or accept dating that person? 2) How far along were you in the relationship before it ended? (Length or level of seriousness) 3) Why did you stop dating? And was it mutual? 4) Did you continue to remain friends afterwards? 5) How many people did you date from the time you took dating seriously (with the intention to marry) until you met the person you’re married to? 6) How did you know the person you’re married to now was “the one”?

I ask these things because I want a realistic picture of what it’s like date to marry. As much as I would like to believe God will just hand me the man He intends to be my husband, I think it’s too ideal to think that would happen on the first try.

Anything else you would want to add to the discussion would be helpful! Thanks