but other people could somehow date and even date different people serially.
They can be serial daters because they are lonely and can not be satisfied. I do not mean this is true of all who go out with different people.
And, of course, the serial daters could be checking out different people, in order to find the right one.
Each one can speak for oneself.
I would be careful about comparing yourself with others. What is really happening, for each person, could be different than you suppose . . . especially if you have not gotten to know someone.
Plus, dating can be unreliable for evaluating someone.
How I have been as a person had a lot to do with who I could connect with.
After I got with Jesus and had things of God's word as my standard for how to relate, I think I did a lot better for companionship. And the best companionship could be during a few minutes of talking with someone who was encouraging and a good example for me . . . quality versus quantity.
So, I had better and better friendship, but without dating. Then I prayed about if God wanted me with someone. And then I got as ready as I could, by feeding on how the Bible says to relate. And then came my sweetie. But still I constantly need to stay prayerful in how I relate with her, and ready for love with any person . . . whether someone else is ready or not > Jesus wants us to love each and every person >
"if you love those who love you, what reward have you?" (in Matthew 5:46) > so, Jesus wants us love all people; .
Things that helped me include >
"be content with such things as you have" > in Hebrews 13:5 > meaning to be appreciative of every moment I have to share with anyone. Love every person. I would be thankful to hold the post office door open for someone and share a smile. Be satisfied with however God made the way for me to have love with anyone, for a moment or longer
"Do all things without complaining and disputing," (Philippians 2:14)
This, I understand, means wrong kinds of anger and arguing and complaining > abusive arguing, me trying to control and use someone else, being unforgiving. If any negative nasty stuff even tries to start in me to get me to argue or complain . . . resist it, right away, trust God to get it away and get me the right way. And it is fun to see how we can be kind and gentle and creative, instead.
God makes us creative