oomis – in the old days there was no such thing as ‘dating’ – it was a few meetings between the couple and if they felt it was right they were engaged. The dating period didn’t “become” so short – it always was! We have somehow caught on to the modern idea that a couple has to go out for a few months to ‘find out more about each other’. In my experience, the really good, non-pushy shadchanim are the ones that end up making more successful shidduchim, which are finalised after only a few dates. The ones who want to make a shidduch and get the gelt are the ones that keep encouraging ‘one more date’ even when the couple are clear that it’s not for them.
And you never answered my question – why would you want your possible future husband to meet your friends whilst you are dating? He is not going to be socialising with them (I hope!)