[ No, it would not shock him, because Erik felt just as dehumanized while he was under Shaw's control, and he was in that situation for much less time than El. A life under control is all she's known for the vast majority of her life. She was born into it. Erik wasn't. And he still felt that same difficulty in rediscovering who he was.

He knew what he wanted, though. Or he thought he did. Revenge.

He was wrong.

So her question doesn't surprise him. It does make him smile, though it's a little sad, knowing what she's struggling with right now. ]

It's difficult. It takes time. [ Patience, and giving even herself grace. ] But you try new things. Hobbies, clothes, food. You will know when it's something you want to do again, not because someone else told you.