"Optimal stopping theory would cast it as a "sample" one. Before you start dating, you have no clue of what's really out there without having enough of a real-world sample to tell. Advertising, rom-coms, and social media may tell you that there's a Prince or Princess Charming out there for you. But once you really start dating to get a sample, you may find that isn't the case."
"At some point, though, you may desire some kind of stopping point. After all, you can't possibly date every available person in the world. And you may have certain life goals that are time-sensitive. An early goal of dating then is to have a large enough sample to at least tell you what to realistically expect. That sample can then help calibrate your expectations and tell you when you've finally met someone who might be as good as it gets so that you can finally settle down."
"Optimal stopping theory sets this sample size at 37% of the total population of interest based on mathematical calculations. It suggests that if you have to choose from 100 different possible options, you should sample and simply observe 37 bef"
Optimal stopping theory frames dating as a sampling problem where outcomes are unknown until enough real-world examples are observed. A stopping point is needed because it is impossible to date everyone and life goals may be time-sensitive. The approach uses a calibration sample to estimate what is realistically available and to set a benchmark for “as good as it gets.” Mathematical calculations set the calibration size at about 37% of the total options. After observing that portion, the strategy is to select the first subsequent person whose quality exceeds the best quality seen in the calibration sample.
Read at Psychology Today
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