Editing Theodore II Laskaris (section)

===Friends and critics===

Theodore forged a bond of close friendship with a circle of young intellectuals. All born after the Latin conquest of Constantinople, they did not experience the shock of exile, unlike many of their fathers' "humiliated generation" (as Patriarch [[Germanus&nbsp;II of Constantinople]] referred to them). His friends' companionship helped Theodore come through his periods of melancholy, likely caused by anxiety over his public duties. His closest friend, [[George Mouzalon]], was a page in his retinue during their childhood. The three Mouzalon brothers—George, Theodore and Andronikos—were, in Blemmydes's words, "of despicably low birth", but they were talented singers and musicians. Most of Theodore's other confidants, like [[Joseph Mesopotamites]] and [[Konstas Hagiotheodorites]], were related to high-ranking officials and churchmen.{{sfn|Angelov|2019|pp=109–118}}

His fellows often teased Theodore for his style of reasoning during philosophical discussions. His friends' mockery upset him but critical remarks made by bishops and aristocrats were more dangerous to his reputation. Metropolitan Nikephoros of Ephesus rebuked him for his pride and for his non-observance of the rules of [[fasting]]. The governor of Thessalonica, [[Theodore Philes]], circulated defamatory poems about Theodore's alleged affair with an unnamed woman. Philes's accusations reached the ears of Blemmydes, and Theodore could not convince his former tutor of his innocence. Blemmydes did not tolerate sexual misconduct, and completed a [[mirror for princes]] (instruction), entitled ''Imperial Statue'', warning both Theodore and his father against lechery. On the other hand, Theodore often made fun of bishops for their self-aggrandizement, their barbaric speech or ignorantly heretical statements, or even for their physical appearance.{{sfn|Angelov|2019|pp=90, 118–125}}