"I was joking, to be clear", Megaera responded. "I like my look, but I also encourage you to like yours. You're great as you are, and I really do mean that."

She smiled, then continued, "But you're right that I do want to be more social. The big question is, do you feel the same? To you, which is better: A small circle of people you deeply trust, or a village who supports you and you support in turn?"