I don't think of it as settling. I'm almost 29 and I've felt better about my options now, than when I was 22 and just dating without any sense of 1) who I wanted to be in my life, 2) what I wanted out of my life and 3) I took my beauty for granted.

Idk. I have friends who are definitely settling, but they were settling in COLLEGE. "Oh, I've dated this person for 4 years since I was 18. I don't know anything else, and its scary to imagine starting over CUZ THIS IS ALL THERE IS. I guess I"ll marry my bf"

The ones who are running around to get married now....they had a serious relationship in their mid 20s that ENDED cuz life happens. So if you are dating someone for five years, and it ends for whatever reason, now you're 27 and starting over. It appears to be settling by others, but its usually just starting a new relationship and having your priorities and standards in order.

Personally, to 'settle' in my mind, is to not want what you have but accept it cuz you're tried of trying so hard.