I never saw so much good advice all in one place before! (Well, except maybe bowtough.
)
When I think of my travels through those Years of Hormonal Insanity, I cringe. I had to get my heart good and broken so that I would be free for someone who would celebrate who I am, and encourage me to be more, rather than fight me for it.
Go hunt, and be the best that you can be. Whatever is in the cards will work out. You can't force it, and yes, while you both are "auditioning" is when it should be purt-near perfect. Once married, the tendency is to slack off and relax, heck, you've caught the train, so you quit running.
I hope you have a terrific hunt, I hear from a respected friend that Ray is a wonderful host, and a Southern gentleman of the finest stripe.
Killdeer