This actually has to do with Morgan's post, but before I forget ... Feel better, Chris!
There is "lonely" and there is "being alone". Some folks think they're the same thing. I'm sure most of the folks who consider it two seperate things at one time, when young, considered it the same thing. I know I had to learn it; luckily I learned it early.
What's this have to do with men when sick? Living alone in Philly and later in NYC, I was "alone", but never felt "lonely". Until I got sick.
Nothing sucks more than when one (especially a male!) is by himself and there's no one around to pamper him when he's sick. It's definitely a vulnerable, miserable rotten time. I felt cheated (if I didn't have a girlfriend at the time) because it indeed is the one time we men usually have that chance to "succumb and crumble" just a wee bit.
Ok, now I'm going to be teased for being honest. On with it, ya bloody nancys!