Poster
I wouldnt call that Settling or as you say “thinking out of the box” that is simply marrying someone other than you thought was what you wanted. It doesnt mean you are settling.
For example, I am a very decisive person, always have been. I know exactly what I want and I dont waste my time hemming and hawing over decisions. Should I happen to go out with someone, and really like them, but they arent the exact picture of what I wanted, I wont think I am settling because I will think they are just as good just not what I had had originally in mind.