[Actually, if he were being honest, he feels kind of bad for her. In as far as he feels bad for people. She’s such an easy mark. It’s why he tried to give her advice when they first met. The less she cares what people think, the harder it is for people to mess with her. Insecure people are easy to manipulate. And from everything he’s seen, she is deeply insecure.

But of course she didn’t like what he had to say, and he’d be the first admit he’s the last person people should go to for help. Besides her dislike of him is familiar and comfortable, it doesn’t occur to him to go out of his way to change her impression of him.]

Sorry, I didn’t realize that was an offensive term.

[He is not actually convinced it is an offensive term.]

What children? I’ve only seen teenagers. You think teenagers don’t read romance books?