As the novel continues, Dorian Gray's personality and outlook on the world continues to change. He is greatly influenced by his relationship with Lord Henry, and his new self resembles Lord Henry. After Basil confesses his love for the young man, Dorian responds, "That is not even a compliment [...] It was a very disappointing confession" (85). Basil just revealed his most intimate secret to Dorian, and the young man's response lacks sensitivity. Dorian knows that he does not and could never worship Basil in the way in which Basil worships him, but he does not consider the painter's feelings when he tells him what he feels. He says, "You mustn't talk about worship. It is foolish. You and I are friends, Basil and we must always remain so" (85). Similarly to Lord Henry, Dorian does not care about others. He is self centered and self indulgent, which is why he calls Basil foolish for sharing his feelings. Dorian does not care how he makes his friend feel because it does not affect him.
After the painter leaves, Dorian reflects on the differences in his friendships with Basil and Lord Henry. He admits, "Basil would have helped him resist Lord Henry's influence," (87) displaying that he understands that Lord Henry is detrimental to his morality. Dorian knows that Basil is a morally better person and that the painter cares more for him than Lord Henry, but he values his friendship with Lord Henry far more because Lord Henry has more to offer. Although he has become a worse person from his relationship with Lord Henry, he enjoys the intellectual thought that spurns from his discussions with Lord Henry. Basil only serves to worship Dorian and make the young man even more vane. Before Lord Henry's influence, Dorian would have been satisfied with Basil's attention, but now he needs more from a friendship, which is why he prefers Lord Henry over Basil.
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