Ames, that story does happen. But, I would rather have it happen during a dating/engagement period than when I am already married. Getting out of a marriage is more complex, and if the issues keep piling up…and then there are kids involved…
I personally loved my 9 month engagement, and if nothing else thought it was too short. But, my husband and I were both still in school at the time (we got married just before our senior year of college). We had dated for 1.5 years.
Most of my MO friends dated their spouses for around 6 months and were engaged for another 6 months or so. It worked out well for them.
There is no perfect system across the board – I think thats the point that needs to be stressed the most. We can find exceptions to every dating rule and stories that back up either side of the equation. I just wish people would remove the pressure to decide by a certain span of time – since that span is different for everyone.