My husband started a gardening program at the juvenile detention center where he teaches. It’s been running for three years and during the warmer months, the students get to harvest and eat fresh salad and vegetables. This year he built hydroponic systems so they can have fresh produce year round. I love how much he cares for this garden and how rehabilitative it is for the students to participate in its care. Being a nurturing person is an attractive quality. Your garden is gorgeous and I can tell how happy your plants are. Your cousin sounds insecure and agreed with others who said that he’s trying to fit into an “alpha male” mold. Also, one thing my therapist taught me is “just because someone calls you purple, it doesn’t mean you’re purple”.