It’s called “settling” down, not shooting for the stars. If you asked most married folk, they’re more than likely not with their 1st, 2nd or even 3rd choice.
Most people can’t be honest with themselves though, it’s easy to believe the person you ended up with is the one, because accepting they aren’t would mean admitting you couldn’t do better.
And then years go by, the children leave the home, you’re both stuck in the house and realize it was only the children than kept you tolerant of each other. But it’s too late to divorce now, you’ve got a mortgage and 401k to worry about, it’s too late to start again.
Every morning you wake up starts with a feeling of resentment and regret, as you look over at your consolation prize.