Perhaps not consciously, but perhaps because this is her first relationship by the a relatively later age compared to her peers, she may feel that this "must" be more special, "true love" given the wait. I think those who manage delayed gratification well, such as those who do tend to be academically inclined, have a tendency to fall into this trap but love/romance is not necessarily logical like that. Actually she tells us that she may feel this way with all the chatter about "soul mates."