Are you married?

A few years ago, while I was going for lunch with a friend, I saw a college classmate of mine standing right outside the cafeteria door along with other guys. As he saw me, he approached me and guess what was one of the first questions he asked me? "Have you gotten married [yet]?" Well! I gave him an answer, but not before I squirmed at the question. Why should it matter to anyone whether I am married or not? I almost did not want to talk to him after that point. But then, he is not alone. There have been several people who have asked me that question - directly, indirectly, right-into the conversation, way-later in the conversation. And in some cases it may seem a natural path to continuing the conversation, but most of the times it is not. Isn't it quite clear that if you are my friend, you would know whether I am married or not and if you don't know, it is because I don't think it is important for you to know. And must you ask that question the first thing when you meet someone? Will your conversation depend on whether the person is married or not? Call me a snob, a "whatever" you may, but I really think it is quite rude to poke that question in someone's face!