...I'd never gotten along well with my own father. I did everything I could to impress him and it was never enough. And---well. I'm not your father. I know I'm not.
[Or Susan's husband. Or Death's grandson-in-law. Seriously, why is his house so weird?]
But I figured... I don't know. With enough of an effort, you'd respect me. Everyone in this house would.
edit
...I'd never gotten along well with my own father. I did everything I could to impress him and it was never enough. And---well. I'm not your father. I know I'm not.
[Or Susan's husband. Or Death's grandson-in-law. Seriously, why is his house so weird?]
But I figured... I don't know. With enough of an effort, you'd respect me. Everyone in this house would.
[Cue Rodney Dangerfield routine.]