Re: How do you let your parents know you're ready?
^I totally agree with that, and if yes if everything gels then why not get married? I think somethings that I've said, people have taken literally, word for word. Let me put it this way: I'm ready to meet someone and take it from there, whether that means getting married in 2 years or 5, by mutual agreement. The challenge will be to find a like-minded person. Like someone said earlier, no point in getting involved if the other side wants a full blown shaadi next month.
And I suppose the different between this and dating is that from the onset its with a view to a long term commitment, with parents involved. My (21st century) definition of a halal relationship would include meeting up alone so long as both sets of parents are happy and trust their kids.