I cannot speak for the boys, but growing up, I watched princess movies where young handsome men would save the damsel in distress and they would end up falling madly in love. Eventually I got older and started watching Disney, Nickelodeon, etc. and the television networks loved to put romance in the shows even though most kids at that age don't fully understand it. Women as a whole are progressing forward, but to this day we are still expected to become a wife more than a career women.
I am not a bitter woman that has been scorned and doesn't approve of marriage. I just hate that it is expected. I truly see myself later in the future with a husband and kids, but I'm just afraid that my clock is ticking and people are just waiting. I am attending college and when I go home for breaks, the first thing I am asked is, "Have you found yourself a man yet?" I didn't work my butt off to get into college just to find myself a man; I worked hard so I can find and do what I love. When the right guy makes his appearance, I'll give him a chance, but he is not what I am working for.
Another great thing that should be said out loud is that just because he/she loves you, does not mean you have to love him/her back. Yes, the majority of us are afraid of ending up alone, but that doesn't mean you have to settle. If you are not ready when or if he/she pops the big question, you do not have to say yes just because love is in the air. Learn who you are, what you want and why you want it. I guarantee you that once you find who you are and what you want, falling in love will just happen. I am not saying that it is 100 percent guaranteed, but from what I have gathered, once you stop trying it will hit you harder than you thought.
To love or not to love is not the question. The question is: are you actually ready to fall in love?