There are many truths to what you write. But I do believe it is changing in some age groups and locations. The younger generation seems to be more on-board with men's close friendships, and that is a wonderful thing. The generation in which I grew up, and which my former husband grew up, didn't really promote men's friendships outside of sports. But the individual bears a responsibility too. My husband, who also viewed me as his only friend, often ignored gestures of friendship from men who reached out to him. I don't really know why. At this point, he is remarried, and I'm sure views wife number 2 as his best friend, and the only other friends he has are our sons.