So when are you guys going to get married?

Clearly that is not a question that has been made to me, but I have heard it made quite often to people in relationships who are around my age or older (mid to late 20s). What is so intriguing about this question is that this question rears its ugly head after only a few months of dating, not even a year sometimes.

Its been a couple years now since I've been in a relationship, but back whenever I was in a relationship, the thought of seriously considering popping the question never crossed my mind. Oh, of course I thought, "Could I marry her" or "it would be like this when married," things like that. But to seriously consider popping the question, buying a ring, all that jazz never came across my head. And I would think now, even after being in a relationship for 6 months, a year, even more, I am not sure I could think that. But I see this question being asked to people every relationship they come across, and I wonder, what, automatically if we date someone post college or post 23, they are in the running for marriage?

There is that argument that the purpose of relationships and dating is to find "the one" (you may believe this or not), but does every relationship automatically bring forth the question of "when are you guys going to get married"?

Just seems kind of weird that only a few years ago people dated and that was it. Now, every relationship brings forth the very likely chance a marriage could result. As if the decision to date meant the person was marriageable material. I'm just not buying. Date, without thinking of marriage, for however long it takes if and until you realize this person is "the one". Maybe this post makes no sense, but seriously, this is bugging me out a little!