Over here it seems like people of both genders are more obsessed with this compared to in other places. It is used as a gauge of someone's self-worth.

I have been criticised and insulted for many things, but in the past this has really affected me. Usually because when women found out I would be placed in the "undateable" box. If people found out during conversation, even male acquaintances, they might tell the women in the group and gossip would spread.