It was one of the many things that he loved about Joan. When she gave a compliment it was truly given, not just lip service, unless it was for a job. The same could be said for reassurances. You didn't do anyone favors if you didn't give them the truth.

"We both could survive without the other." Arthur acknowledges. It's a truth in their lives that they possibly would have to at any given moment. "But living without the other," his voice drops in timber, "that is something very different. I fell in love with your intelligence and wit, that won't change no matter where we find ourselves."