Actually, Austen's life can't be more different than the happy characters in her novels. She never married. The rumor is that she had a love affair with Tom Lefroy but I'm not sure if that relationship was as wonderful as she had given to all her leading ladies. Regardless, it's a fact that she never married.
I think many sisters today (or maybe women in general) find it difficult enough to find a decent brother to marry. Someone that can truly steal their hearts and someone who is not a burden to come to love. Many sisters lower their expectations and tell themselves to have more faith! In the words of Mrs. Bennet, "It's all very vexing!"
Whenever I think about this point I feel extremely grateful that David and I married because we are attracted to each other and love one another.