the guy thing - or we call it today - the bro or bormance/comradery in athletics. Brick lying about his love for skipper to his truth telling Maggie who puts on her show about how alcoholism has made Brick look even more handsome appealing to his possible vanity so that he may and they may continue to hide from his homosexuality there by continuing the marriage - He tells her to get a lover so she can be supported. It's the lies we tell in relationships sometimes that keep us together not matter how much they hurt - some call it, putting on airs. It's the American Dream that isn't.