@LowWorm@_jameshatfield_@CleverWhatever@owenbroadcast As a thought experiment, what if it were the wife's sister who died. Then it very well could have been the man who informed the other man as to what happened. It may have less to do with gender and more to do with who's bearing the brunt of grief.
@_jameshatfield_@CleverWhatever@owenbroadcast It's perfectly reasonable for a man to tell his neighbor, "I've had a death in the family so things are a bit tough right now." His neighbor may reasonably respond, in a manly manner, "My condolences. Let me know if you or family need anything."
@_jameshatfield_@CleverWhatever@owenbroadcast It's not trauma dumping, it's setting an expectation. If your neighbor knows you experienced a death in the family, then they know to be sympathetic and extend some sign of condolence, such as sending flowers. They also know not to bother you with anything petty for a while.