The correct answer is C. Ward’s jocular sparring works better on male friends; female friends aren’t likely to interpret this form of banter as a sign of affection.
This is because males and females interact with each other in very different ways. It is important to recognize that things you would say or actions you would take when around your own gender may not have the same effect when around those of a different gender, which is what this question is trying to display.
Hope this helps!