What's LOVE or MARRIAGE gotta do with it?

We've heard it in song (Tina Turner), and we've had cause to ask the same question (of ourselves, and of others) even if only in our thoughts. We've also heard that "love is not enough", and may have experienced it, too. So why can't many women admit that love doesn't have to be the reason for pursuing/being in a relationship.

I've been on here since February and have chatted with quite a few men, most of who seemed to think that I was interested in 'marriage', either because of the mere fact that I'm on here or because of the word "companion" that heads my profile. But, does dating always have to be about finding 'love' and getting 'married'? That would be IDEAL, but I don't ascribe to it being the ideal for everyone. It certainly isn't the ideal for me (although it definitely was when I was much much younger).

Life experiences and age has brought reason/wisdom, mostly about who you are personally (i.e. the psychological, moral, spiritual and physical being), and what you want, regardless of what family and society may expect of you. And even if you're a romantic (like me), you may still understand the difference between what's 'ideal' and what's 'real' about your hopes/plans for your future. So, sometimes, neither love nor marriage, may be what you want from a relationship at the moment.

And I'm not hinting at 'sex' and 'money' as alternatives, even though they often are. I'm really thinking about mutual admiration and respect, companionship, shared interests, etc (which may/may not include great sex and shared finances) and may/may not even lead to love as a pleasant 'side effect'.

I've often thought that many men understood that reality very early in life, whereas many women (myself included), were mainly encouraged to focus on the ideal. And, perhaps that's why we have struggled to understand or have relationships that aren't focused upon achieving 'love and marriage'.

The thing is, I now have a greater appreciation for that kind of relationship, and feel a bit put off when others don't. Am I wrong for expecting them to, or are they being archaic in their expectations of me?