This response is not directly answering your question, but I am concerned about the derogatory comments about you. I know we women might sometimes comment on something we don't like our husbands doing or not doing (uh, not putting clothes in the hamper....) with each other, but I would be bothered if my hubby were making remarks to another woman about me.

I do think men and women can be friends, but I think it can be problematic if one or both are married. To me, a spouse should be a friend---a "best" friend. But that might just be me.

I have female friends, but have had no desire to seek out other men as friends since I have been married.