No Miri, you don’t have to go out with everyone redt to you, but if you find that you are dating for years and “si geit nisht” (it is not going anywhere) then maybe it is time to take a look at your list of requirements and realize that rarely does anyone get what is on their lists because that is not what Hashem takes into consideration when HE matches people up. Ask anyone you know if they got what they had on their list. Obviously there are things that SHOULD be a deal breaker and those are your values and hashkofos, those are things you should never compromise on. Other things you will realize are not that important in the scheme of life. That’s all I am saying. How important are those things today that were so very important to you when you were 16? Your opinion on certain things will change with age and maturity and certain things will remain the same because they are part and parcel of who you are. Some of the things that will change can and will be who and what you are attracted to as with style and fashion. Some of the things that will not change or will not change much are values and hashkofos because they are really a part of you. They may get stronger and hopefully not weaker but that is really what you are looking to match up on. The other things are more superficial. You are not going to look for someone with blue eyes because you have blue eyes, or someone with brown hair because you are partial to brown hair.
My son swore he would never date a redhead and he actually turned down many shidduchim with redheaded girls. Guess who he married? A beautiful redhead! I told you, Hashem has a very interesting sense of humor! What’s meant to be is just meant to be.
I wish all of you mazal and bracha and that you should all find the right one at the right time!