How can you tell when two men are in love as opposed to close friends hanging out, well, closely? Treadwell and Nini operated on the you-know-it-when-you-see-it principle: the telltale look in.
Women as friends bring an integral sensitivity and softness to life, but men need other men. Gay men are well-served by seeking out other gay men to befriend, both as a means of support and community building.