Ben smiled a little at that cutting off of that thought before telling Jon, a little carefully, "Some people think that Beloveds aren't able to make complicated decisions- run their own businesses, pay employees, make contracts, without an ascendant to take care of making sure they're doing it right. Or a two spirit guiding everything" he made a face, a flash of bitterness that was so unlike Ben, "You know. Children until we're married and someone's making sure we're capable." Which would be the source of Ben's informality- a refusal to be compartmentalized.
He added hurriedly, "It's better in cities I've found though."