Wow. I'm with Shelly here. Who embedded such a stigma in being single? I'm single, and thankful for it. A toxic relationship is much worse than being alone. This entire piece reads like a conceptual fable. It's a myth. Who needs such an interdependent mentality? Why does society make you want to lie about your social status?
I'm not judging here. I lie. But fabricating stories shows identity-crisis, especially in the confines of relationship status.
Hey. I'm young, single. I hate my past relationships. I don't make up a blow-baby to make friends. There's no social hierarchy if you don't want there to be. It's all mental, bro.
Yet, you say "We should judge based on conduct merit-points". I agree. You are what you do, not who you're with, or seen with. Your identity is your daily practices, your habits, not a random fling to brag about.