What’s weird is that we (“we” representing those whose minds work this way – I assess it around 75% of the female population) don’t necessarily want to marry these guys. So there’s no need to panic slash break up with whomever you’re seeing. We do this to everyone. And, ultimately, these insta-assessments aren’t making or breaking the deal. It’s just what we do. Yes, more so if we really like you, but it’s nothing to freak out over. It’s innate and we’re not stopping. Trust us, if we could stop, we would.
For guys I assume it sets in a little bit later
(read: not prior to actually meeting the person):

When VTech finds out we went to BC maybe he goes, “cool, good football school, maybe she’ll like watching football,” but it’s doubtful he takes it as far as, “shit, we probably can’t afford two tailgates so we’re going to have to pick one, and I’ll be damned if I’m spending every Saturday with those fucking Flutie freaks.” Guys don’t alliterate.

From what I understand, guys drop girls into buckets fairly easily. So “could marry her” is just a massive extension of “could date her” (something a guy can figure out pretty easily) that he’ll deal with sometime around 30 slash when she makes him.

So naturally for guys details like where her hometown is and how much tailgate spots at her alma mater go for aren’t really in context yet slash ever.

“But really when is it? Fourth date? 2 months? After they’ve slept with her?” I pressed one male member of The Board.

“I don’t know. I depends on what comes up I guess,” he said.

“But everything is coming up all the time!” I said, “You’re getting to know the person. It’s a constant barrage of details and clues.”

“Hhmm. No. It’s just hanging out and getting to know someone. But I feel like I could maybe start to look at a girl seriously, like in a marriage light, if I maybe felt like I could be upset and possibly cry in front of her.”

“What?! I mean that’s precious but how are you supposed to figure that out?”

“Just a feeling I guess. And would definitely take a lot of time.”

There you have it. A non-answer answer, but arguably a way better response than that of the girl camp.

Conclusions:

Results from this investigation lead me to believe that thoughts/plans/assessments around marriage, should be filed in the same category as opinions of each other’s friends (and who they’re dating). Things Best Left Undiscussed and Never Confessed Unless Someone is About to Get Hurt (slash married).

Proceed as necessary.