When I hear him talking about kids, it's almost invariably that they misbehave. Not that they're visiting X or Y with kids or had a funny talk or something. And the kids seem a bit too eager to play with anyone, as if no one spends much time with them. Does my brother only work late on holidays? To me it sounds they're managing their kids, not raising them. Maybe I'm bad at judging people, but I don't see much joy in that family.

Anyway I think this is a bit sad. Ancient Greeks valued friendship more than love. Friends are often for life, while lovers are all too happy to switch when someone more attractive shows up.