"Just because I like having things to occupy my day and mind don't mean they ain't nothing but a distraction." Involving himself in the lives of others, caring for them, learning them, putting himself in their shoes - yes, these are distractions.

It doesn't mean that the care isn't genuine. Dan can benefit from loving others without that negating that he truly does.

"Counselor, I don't know if you realize this, but if I have to spend the rest of our friendship convincing you I really do care about you, that's something I'm willing to do. You ain't going to chase me away by doubting me." Dan's certain enough of himself that Price can't undermine him that way.