This all sounds so familiar! I find that I have to change the way that I speak around most women so as to not be too blunt or to mistakenly offend them. The same language that puts other women off seems to delight my male friends, however. I find that I have to work harder at communicating with some female friends but have managed to find others who are similar to me and enjoy my "style" as my male friends do.

I will note, however, that the female friends who are easier for me to deal with on a day to day basis are not as emotionally supportive as the others. If I mention a fight with my boyfriend, for example, the response is "That sucks, but I'm sure you guys will work it out," and then back to the other topics at hand. The more "girly" friends are quick with a hug and a response of "I'm so sorry...what happened...tell me about it."

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need friends of all types to balance all of my needs...I work a bit harder with some women because, in the end, they have been more than worth the effort.