I have deeply loved these men. Whether builders, scientists, poets or political consultants, they’ve each shared a wonderful blend of steadfastness and whimsy. But I think what I love most of all about sharing a space with men is male intimacy. I rarely get to experience men’s unguarded selves, even from my close male friends, most of whom now live hundreds of miles away. Male intimacy feels precious and rare, and that makes it interesting. It feels like a gift every time it’s shared. When you share space, this kind of intimacy is not even shared consciously most of the time, and that also makes it fun. It’s fun to witness people as their real, unvarnished,