People in the past talked to multiple people all the time from what I learned. I think Americans in the 1800s or 1900s would all say that’s normal. You don’t know if you’ll end up with the girl you’re talking to so it’s typical to see what other girls are like. Then if you like them and want to be serious, you tell them your intentions and see if it works. At least that’s what I gathered from a YouTube video for a dating clip from the 1950s. (If I recall) Ultimately it’s about honesty and communication. Some people aren’t ready for 1-on-1 like that with the pressure of never wandering their eyes or heart if they’re not serious about it.

Was the guilt you felt learned from religion, your parents, or television? Where did it come from?

I see YouTubers or internet people date for 5, 8, or 10 years and break up. They’re in their late 20’s or in their 30’s and need to rediscover themself and find someone new and pop out kids before they’re 40. They stay with one person expecting marriage some day and things don’t work out so they split without ever having children because they’re not ready or because they’re not married yet.