My friend claims that women are not real blokes.

Jim doesn't usually behave as a misogynist.
From his pov; his claim is more akin to men are from mars etc.
There does seem to be some significant differences between the sexes and these certainly produce their share of difficulties in most relationships.

I am curious to know if other people have noticed any of the above and if so, how they have managed to navigate around them in their relationships.

Girls are NOT blokes. Your friend is right, the most consistent problems in relationships stem NOT from the difference between men and women, but from the fact that each tries to solve issues as if his partner were the same sex he is.

Women want men to "express their feelings" (girly talk!) and men want to "get the facts straight" (manly pragmatism). Men want to know "what" and women want to confirm "why".

Since they are both right in their approach since it is based on their gender, they blow it completely. Fights go on and on, nobody "gets it" and things stay confused and confuzzled. All because we don't take the time to learn how the opposite sex actually THINKS.

Once you understand how they reason and are motivated, you can deal better with them. Until then, you not only can't be deal, you may be downright rude, unfair and impossible... all on accident.

You friend is right. Dames ain't blokes.

It is easy, look at the bathroom door signs, blokes and shelia, they isn't the same.

But in that all people are not the same, what way I interact is not the way you interact and not the way someone else does. Ethinic backgrounds, sex, nationality, culture of a local all make us different

There are many things that make us what we are, and gender is only one factor. The main thing is paying attention to others, and getting to know them very well, and that helps with dealing with people as individuals. No female is the same, but they may all act alike. For sure females ain't blokes by any means. I for one, am glad of that.