In Germany, we as males don't say "Mein Freund" when we refer to our buddy, because that sounds gay. Insteadt we say "Der Huansohn" or "Der Wichser" and I think that sounds beautiful.
When I was a teenage boy I never thought I would find a (good) job or the love of my life. I was the shy one, an introvert, never stood up for myself.
But now something has changed.