In the past it was far more usual for strong relationships to exist without there being any sexual innuendo. It is one of the curses of the modern gay movement that healthy non-sexual close friendships are assumed to be sexualised, as was seen in the rampant speculation about Cardinal Newman relationship with his close friend. The result is increased loneliness as people who could be close friends worry about what other people will think and so back away from the deep engagement that is possible without a sexual agenda.