The princess-archdivine once quipped to me that our friends are what the gods give us to make up for our families. - Lois McMaster Bujold

Kareen was by no means sure Mark was a potential husband. He was still working his heart out on becoming a potential human being.

“I am a bodyguard by trade,” she said, evidently continuing a conversation with Lady Vorpatril. “How can I kick someone’s teeth in wearing this?”
“A woman wearing that suit, my dear, will have volunteers to kick in annoying persons’ teeth for her,” said Lady Alys.

"I'm sorry, Lady Vorkosigan. We'll simply have to begin at the beginning. Please bear with me. Do I understand correctly you've had some sort of female trouble?" No, most of my troubles have been with males.