Men Often Say They Find It Validating When Female Friends

Men often say they find it validating when female friends encourage them to be more emotionally expressive than usual. Which fact about gender and friendship does this statement most clearly illustrate?

A) There are advantages to other-sex friendships.
B) Heterosexual men can be just friends with women.
C) Male-male friendships typically involve good-natured competition and a focus on tasks and events.
D) Perhaps the greatest byproduct of friendship is a sense of mutual acceptance and respect.