I don't think it would be unreasonable to assume I could seriously date 1-3 people a year (other people might go slower/faster, but that seems like about how lo

I don't think it would be unreasonable to assume I could seriously date 1-3 people a year (other people might go slower/faster, but that seems like about how long it takes for me to get to know someone in that context), with an average of 2. Assuming I start seriously dating at 18, and want to get married before 28, I've got 20 potential mates to evaluate. So, the 'algorithm' is that I should date as many as I can (each for just enough time to be able to order them ) till I am ~22 (1/e*20/2 ~ 3.7 years), and then between 22-28 only date women long enough to compare her to all the women I dated from 18-22. If she is better, I should marry her. Otherwise, move on ASAP. Of course, I've already 'failed' miserably at that plan (e.g., a 3 year relationship from 19-22), but that's what the math says you should do ;-)