I completely identify with the parent here - I'm a male, and I avoid even the appearance of close relationships with female colleagues. To be fair, that's not terribly difficult for me anyhow, as I'm not someone who socializes with colleagues of either gender often outside of work.

After much reflection, I agree that this behavior harms my female colleagues. However, I also believe that it harms my career opportunities in exactly the same manner. Just as they do not have the opportunity to build those closer relationships we me, I miss out on the same with them.