Coincidentally I finished watching all 5 seasons of how i met your mother and though the portrayal of relationships in the show is as casual as it can be ( esp w Barney, but he is awesome), but there are elements of the show that echoe with the book in terms of the longing of the special someone and how Ted evolves and get ready through the events that eventually leads him to his special someone. There was one scene where Ted was inside a car w Stella and he told her how insecure and unsure whether he will meet his special someone and Stella said: "she's on her way---
and she is getting here as fast as she can."
You might find my blog of interest where I critique Josh Harris's book.
www.ikdg.wordpress.com
I Kissed Dating Goodbye: Wisdom or Foolishness?
Unfortunately Josh Harris is quick to point out the problems with dating but reluctant to share any of the problems with his approach.
Hope this helps.
First of all welcome to the HIMYM fan club, and i do rmbr that particular episode too.
And yeah, keep it up! I believe in true love!