My experience is very different.

I have through my life had several male friends. In some cases, they married other women and then I gained a new (female) friend. Two of my male friends are like brothers - we have been friends for 31 years. During that time, we've all dated and married other people, we are still family. We have each others' back. It's that simple.

When I was recently diagnosed with cancer, these two guys came to visit, as did one of my male cousins and his wife.

If you've had siblings, cousins or other relatives of the opposite sex, you'd understand this.