Is It Contagious?

Not too long ago I was meeting a business associate for the first time who works with my company. I was dressed in my trendy yet business appropriate manner ready to make a sale. As we talked our conversation turned from her needs with our company to a more personal line of questioning, what town are you from, how long is your commute, etc. Normal until the question I knew was looming and was destined to be on her list:

Her: "Are you married?"
Me: "Nope, not yet."
Her: "Boyfriend?"
Me: "No...still single."
Her: "Awwwww...well don't worry...there's still time."

Wow. Now that part I wasn't expecting. On the outside I forced my lips to curl up slightly and calmly told her I wasn't too worried. Inside, the face I was making was of jaw dropping disbelief and calmness was certainly not abounding with the voices in my head, which were saying something more to the effect, of "Well shit....am I dying?"

When did being single become a disease? Were there preventative actions I could have been taking, better yet, is there some type of prescription pill to cure me of my ailment? Are my friends who are still single single because they caught it from me? Or, did I catch it from them? And, how much time do I have?

Looking back, it was a bit comical, more so because as other associcates of hers started arriving she kept introducing me as Mrs. Smith. I am convinced this sweet woman wasn't trying to make me feel bad, what I don't understand is why its even an issue. Why is the fact that I chose not to settle for mediocre so upsetting to so many people? Maybe they did settle and that's fine, to each their own. All I ask is this-instead of pity, please, respect my choices as mine-they're working for me and I promise, they're not contagious!