[He shakes his head - not in denial, but in assurance that she need not be remotely defensive.]

Of course I understand. There's no question of that whatsoever. And no question, too, that you completely have the right to do so.

[He half lifts his hand, actually intending to pat her reassuringly on the shoulder - then he pushes that hand back into his pocket self-consciously. He's not that drunk yet.]

Indeed, if anything, you should be proud of doing so. You stand up for yourself; that's a very good thing.