Yes, exactly! Our culture tends to prioritize the romantic pair-bond as the single most important relationship, and particularly for men, it may be the only truly close relationship they have. This is a mistake because friendships and other types of caring connections can be so enriching - even if you choose to remain romantically/sexual exclusive with your partner.

My other intimate connections are not exactly like the one I have with my husband. Some of them walk a fine line between friendships and "dating" and that is fine with me. I don't think any two human relationships are ever exactly the same, but it's nice to have a variety of places to be seen and feel supported and cared about, however that works for your life.