If it makes you feel any better, I probably held you in the highest regard. I didn't give anyone else a gold star, now did I? [He is the best friend? Look at how friendly he's being.] If it weren't for your insight-- though I helped-- we'd have never gotten out of our first encounter.

[Maybe he really just gives him a hard time because he actually knows he's good, whoa. Speaking of which,] Even if you're not always the brightest.