You don't have to apologize to me; I don't mind hearing people out.

[It's easy; not quite gentle, but that's more because he's not a gentle person.]

Besides, I admit I'm not the best at parties; I've attended a few, but they were largely for formality's sake after I got my title. I didn't know what to do with myself then, and...well.

[He gestures vaguely, just kind of encompassing the...this. The all of this.]