Other than the few weeks/months of an online aberration 18 months ago, the last relationship before my husband was over 33 years ago. In hindsight, I know I should never have allowed the online thing to start.
Thinking back to before my marriage, I agree with Randy: "Avoided having gotten into it. Getting into it with a different person. Being a different person myself.
A little more maturity on both parts would have gone a long way."
I would add thorough training in better communication and listening skills, preferably from as young as possible.
I now believe that there's no substitute for getting to know a person very well before getting into the love & sex thing. It makes a world of difference on every level. Ages-old wisdom works because human nature does not change.
Gone to the same college she did. Not possible, I was working full-time and studying part-time. We paerted amicably and we're still friends. My wife is also friends with her so it's all good.