Honestly, I think society has focused too much on that aspect of development (finding one's self or whatever one wants to call it) and I fear it has created a society that has missed more opportunities than gained.
While I don't disagree, I think a bit of frog kissing may help to recognize Clark for the prince. She's known him all her life, he's more like an older brother, even if she may see him as more than that. But without knowing the difference she might just choose him just because he's the comfortable choice.
When things get tough she might look back at her life and wonder if she made a mistake by never looking for someone else.
