^ Totally agree with this!
“Dates” for me were usually getting coffee or dinner with a guy that I met, my parents set me up with, or my friends set me up with. I enjoyed the process of getting ready and my friends being excited for me. I went in with realistic hopes with the mindset that this is a learning experience. This helped when 99% of the guys I met were not compatible with me for abc reason. I never got serious with any of these guys… didn’t last longer than that one coffee or dinner situation.
After a bunch of lame dinners/coffees - I came across a really amazing guy. This went beyond the initial first dinner date. We spent time getting to know each other as friends and realized (because we both knew what we wanted by that point) that this was it. During our “dating period” it was always known from day one that this would lead to marriage. 
Intentions were of full commitment. There was never any drama, or anything. He was my only boyfriend. Fast forward 2 years from the time we got serious - and we got engaged. I am sure when I look back years from now, I will consider this time period as well as my engagement period as some of the best years of my life. 
I am 100% confident in marrying him and vice versa …and unlike most girls of our culture - I am looking more forward to starting a life with him together as opposed to the shaadi itself. I’m kidna whatever about the shaadi and rasams. If I had it my way - nikkah in masjid and simple valima would be enough for me… I have my prince charming and that is all I need.
For those of you that havn’t been in this situation before… sometimes you dont’ realize what you missed since you never had it. Which is ok!