It's part generational and part cultural. The more socially conservative the environment in which one lives, the more separation of the sexes is expected.
Back in the 1990s, my grandfather was diagnosed with brain tumors and only a few months to live. I had time off to visit, but I couldn't (and still can't) drive. My husband couldn't get time off from work. It was three hours by car or sixteen by bus, so a male friend who had time off right then offered to drive me up for an overnight. My grandparents were deeply uncomfortable with it until the guy mentioned that he played cards (the Babylon 5 collectible card game, but we didn't mention that part) with my husband. Suddenly it was okay because he was Scott's friend rather than mine.
It hadn't occurred to me or to my friend that that would be an issue.
no subject
Back in the 1990s, my grandfather was diagnosed with brain tumors and only a few months to live. I had time off to visit, but I couldn't (and still can't) drive. My husband couldn't get time off from work. It was three hours by car or sixteen by bus, so a male friend who had time off right then offered to drive me up for an overnight. My grandparents were deeply uncomfortable with it until the guy mentioned that he played cards (the Babylon 5 collectible card game, but we didn't mention that part) with my husband. Suddenly it was okay because he was Scott's friend rather than mine.
It hadn't occurred to me or to my friend that that would be an issue.