While Aunt March tries to persuade Meg to marry a wealthy young man, Marmee holds a different view. Mr. Brooke joins Marmee on her visit to see her sick husband and openly shares his feelings for Meg. Both Marmee and Mr. March see him as an honorable man and a fitting partner for their daughter. However, the final choice is Meg's—if she doesn't love Mr. Brooke, her parents would never compel her to marry him. This difference in opinions about what constitutes a "good match" reflects the societal attitudes of the time, represented by Aunt March, in contrast to Alcott's views, embodied by Marmee.

Readers often experience surprise and disappointment when Jo declines Laurie's marriage proposal. Despite their deep friendship and Laurie's charm, handsomeness, and passion, Jo knows that he views her writing as merely a "lark" and wouldn't fully support her career goals. Furthermore, Jo's feelings for Laurie are purely platonic, similar to those of a sister, and she can't love him romantically. Her decision to refuse his proposal respects both herself and Laurie, as she wishes for him to find a wife who will love him as a wife should. By marrying Professor Bhaer, Jo remains true to herself as an independent woman who cherishes writing and teaching. Bhaer doesn't discourage her writing; instead, he motivates her to aspire to more than the sensational stories that come easily to her. Sarah Elbert, in A Hunger for Home: Louisa May Alcott and "Little Women," concluded, "Jo’s journey is the only fully complete one in Little Women and it involves her learning to tell true love from romantic fancy." Elbert further observed that while the girls end up with men they genuinely love, Jo’s marriage aligns most closely with Alcott’s ideal, as Jo represents Alcott’s ideal woman.

Initially, Laurie's marriage to Amy might seem unexpected, but Alcott illustrates how well-matched they are. Both have refined tastes and prefer a luxurious lifestyle over hard work. Additionally, Amy enjoys being cared for, something Jo would never have permitted Laurie to do for her.