What is the Difference?

One evening at the support group meeting we discussed friends and friendship. As the discussion progressed, the question was posed:

What is the difference between a healthy friendship between two men and a healthy, non-romantic friendship between a man and a woman?

After we had discussed it for a while, I came to the conclusion that the difference between the two is significant.

Women by nature are nurturing. The character of a man's non-romantic friendship with a woman could be characterized in this way: "You are a good person. I love you the way you are. It doesn't affect how I feel about you if that particular project didn't go that well."

Men by nature are providers, protectors, and conquerors. The character of a man's healthy friendship with another man could be characterized in this way: "You can do it. Go get 'em. You can achieve, succeed, and overcome."

Because the nature of the two friendships is so different, I believe that a man needs both male and female friends. If he is married, his wife should be his best female friend. That relationship appropriately must be replace all other serious relationships, and he must never compromise it. But a man also needs to relate to other men, and from them should be able to draw the emotional strength and encouragement to be found in a man-to-man relationship.

Why is it not surprising that every man should be a member of a priesthood quorum?