I am married to an executive, and our functions are primarily attended by intelligent couples who are passionate about their business and generous to their communities. Of course, my husband’s employers have always recognized the value of a spouse (well, most of them anyway).

Maybe your friend’s husband should take advantage of the situation. If everyone else is so lame, he should be able to stand out among them and work the room to his wife’s advantage. Staying home really shouldn’t be n option. A wife would be expected to attend in support of her husband, so why shouldn’t a man? He’s not only missing opportunities, but creating a handicap for his wife.