I think it most definitely is a universal phenomena!
The worst just be as you state above shall we make dinner I am often chopping and boiling things thinking hang on, where did she go!?
I miss my mancave, I normally his in the garage but it's too damn cold for it!
A good friend of mine has got the ultimate mancave: a tiny pub! He made it in the shed behind his house. (It is heated.)
We have beer tasting evenings there every now and then. For him it is just a few steps away. He's blessed.
It's freaking awesome!
That is truly awesome. The fact it is heated is just the icing on the cake. If I ever get my garage fixed up enough I might consider doing the same!
I have sorted the roof, now it is the other bits that are falling apart.
I can imagine many a pleasant eve spent there!