[He nods, glad that at least there wasn't anything overtly nasty there. It sounds like a definite step up from her middle school.]

Perhaps you're just the sort of person who doesn't find it easy to form connections. [He gives her a commiserating smile.] I don't find it easy myself. I mean, superficial connections, sure! But actually properly letting people in, letting yourself feel for them? When you've lost people, it can be hard to let yourself really connect with people again, in case you lose them too.