What is the significance of talking to “another guy” to Crooks?

Talking to "another guy" is a rarity for Crooks. He is ostracized by the other men on the ranch because he's black. In response, he isolates himself and protects his room. None-the-less, we find through his conversation with Lennie and subsequent conversation with Lennie and Crooks that talking to other men is a pleasure for him. He simply needs the opportunity.