It's such an unusual question, as far as Ned's concerned, that he isn't prepared for it. There's a telling moment, just a second or two, when he looks at Ginsberg and honestly cannot think of a single thing to say. It's not just, he thinks, the blankness of being put on the spot, though he hopes it comes off as that. Ned doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to thinking good things about himself, having good self-esteem, all that jazz.

But the silence stretches painfully and he has to say something, "That's a hard question," he muses out loud. And now, even though he can think what he wants to answer, it's difficult to come up with phrasing that doesn't sound painfully arrogant. "I think I'm- at least, I try to be..." No, he's messing it up. Ned tries again, "I think... kindness is very important." He doesn't say that he's kind, but the implication is there, that it's something he strives towards, if nothing else.

He's glad his own omelette is done, now, because it means he can sit down and poke at it with his fork rather than look at Ginsberg at that moment.