Expert: Azure - 6/5/2007

Question
Since the age of 17 I've been seeking to develop only relationships that will
lead to marriage. Though I've enjoyed dating, and believe me... I've done far
MORE than my fair share, its pointless unless there's potential!  
I've gone out on dates with approximately 215 men. I've had about 18
relationships where we considered ourself an exclusive item, 6 of which lasted a
considerable amount of time, I was briefly engaged once, and I've been in love 4 times.
I am only 25.
Obviously I've been on a mission... lol.

I'm presently in a LTR with a guy that has repeatedly expressed his interest
and desire for marriage (yes, to me and to others even before I entered his life). These are the only type of men I take
seriously.
I've had issue in the past of guys I was certain would at least propose if they had the funds to purchase a ring and ceremony they felt was "sufficient". This guy may be another one. I'm beginning to wonder if it's just a form of stalling or avoidance. Am I just wasting my time on guys like these or is there potential?

If I wanted to date 'just to date' or be someones 'girlfriend' I'd try out for a prime time dating show.

In retrospect, I thought I would've been married by now. Yet I'm not and so want to be!
The mindless quagmire of the "sex and the city" style dating scene
simply isn't for me. I've always wanted more and desired the security, intimacy and
stability that marriage can provide. I know it's not a holiday, I know what it
takes and much of what to expect but just seem to find a guy that's serious and
ready to make that step with me.
At least 3 men (that I know of so far) that I was in a serious relationship
with seemingly jumped into marriage immediately after our break up!
Question that makes my head spin is "why couldn't it be me?" It's painful.
Is there something that other girls are doing that I am not?
I'm slim with a nice figure, very pretty, outgoing and a descent conversationalist. I have a thriving career which takes up very little of my time. I've no children, never been married, and no mental illness. I've a college education, keep in shape and have a wild sense of humor... I love to laugh! I've utilized personals ads and other dating mediums and I meet plenty of interesting men.
I have no trouble getting a date or even a boyfriend. I just can't find a husband!

I've tried all sorts of approaches from casual and natural to idealistic and planned and
everything in between. I've feigned indifference in hopes of the guys expressing desire in their own time and I've also pushed the issue on guys who seemed as determined to find a mate as myself.
I've varied my taste in men from the near broke hard worker, to the mama's boy,
the wholesome family man, to the aimless dreamer, the loser next door, to the
billionaire with the yacht, the older sage man to the bright eyed youngster. Great guys, worthless guys, average guys...I've dated them all.
Apparently I missed the memo on what I should say or do (or conversely what NOT to say or do).

~Perplexed

Answer
not sure what your actual question is, so i'll just make some general observations; the reason you're not married is no one has proposed, and no one has accepted; as to why, only the participants can say...marriage is the last stepping stone in a series of progressions and evaluations; just one requirement that appears unmet can quash the whole process; then  are those  just not into that finalized commitment; who knows, maybe this guy will be different; since you're only 25 and have had no problem attracting guys to date in longer arrangements, i don't see that it yet makes alot of sense to conclude you're doing something "wrong"; rather, i'd just see it as your life naturally unfolding; the only thing i'd suggest adjusting is your PERCEPTION; that is, try to reduce this "requirement" of marriage, and the emotionally backed demands at it's source. to more of a "preference"..everything else stays the same, but hopefully you then become more relaxed, lower expectations, accept what is, appreciate/enjoy the moment; for all you know, after being married for 5 years, you'll look back at these current times and miss them...remove the burden of "need to be married", and you'll not only feel better, but perhaps actually increase your chances of it happening...