Stephen, as is his wont, is offended. Thus sets in motion an argument guaranteed to make your palms itch with discomfort and befuddlement. He also tells us his own sob story about how none of his family or friends will visit him. So, Real World tradition dictates that the boys and girls now have to confer separately. Irene cries and giggles angrily about Stephen's use of language to her.
Nobody makes much sense.
Irene tries to engage Stephen in a round table discussion about hurt feelings, but he's utterly unresponsive. He even makes sure she understands by spelling stress. They just push each other's buttons instead. Irene brings into the argument a measure of media awareness previously unseen on this program. She points out that Stephen's stubbornness will make him look like a chump, and that the cameras haven't been able to figure her out.