Our patron has always sort of danced upon the notion that austerity and piety go hand in hand; down here, we show our appreciation for things by appr… - Scott Lynch

Remember when I told you, for the first time? You nearly threw me off the roof—
I thought you deserved it. You know, it's an opinion I return to from time to time, whether or not a roof is available.
You're a difficult woman, Sabetha. But then, difficult women are the only ones worth falling in love with.
How would you know? It's not like you've ever been after anyone else—
That part's easy. I started with the most difficult woman possible, so there was never any need to look any further.
You're trying to be charming. She squeezed his hand once, then pulled away. I choose not to be entirely charmed, Locke Lamora.
Not entirely?
Not entirely. Not yet.

There were difficulties.
Oh, she said, so you're the man whose life develops complications! I've so longed to meet you; the rest of us here in this world have it much too easy, I'm afraid.

Nobody admires anyone else without qualification. If they do they’re after an image, not a person.