[thorin]

I think there is some truth in that. In a recent interview Shane McGowan's wife stated she was interested in him because he could get her access to lots of celebrities and she was very shallow. She wanted to get invites to parties with Elton John or David Bowie. Then she realised that he wasn't motivated by any of that stuff and would just as soon have a conversation with a homeless person that someone "important". She was very impressed with his empathy and community spirit and it changed her as a person to be with him. Your description would certainly explain their relationship.