How can you swing from one extreme to another unless you're compensating for something?
Indeed. Clive at this stage seems composed and self-aware, (moving onto Ch12 territory here) having recognised who he is, fought with it and come to terms with and now willing to open up about it a little, and not just to anybody. And I think at this stage is genuine but why doesn't it last? Well, I'm sure we'll be back at this question several times later on.