Cal wasn't always so oblivious in his ways, but he gained a lot of his personal issues from his parent's divorce. His mom got full custody when he was seven, and his life was never the same, since. Carol's stubborness has always been her downfall, and because of it, Cal struggled to get used to many of her new relationships. It's not her fault; she just didn't like to be "bossed around", and that, along with her sensitive nature, led for a plethora of dating issues. In a way, Cal's social behavior is just a remnant of his cries for attention as a younger child. Stevie's usually tolerant of Cal, which is understandable, if you are going to try to maintain a friendship. The extent of his tolerance is limited, like most human beings, but he is definitely known for dealing with a lot before his lid comes off.

The only time, in Cal's memory, that Stevie ever really 'blew up' was in fourth grade, when a young Biff walked up to him at lunch and    proceeded to take the various foods that he felt were "his". What Biff didn't know was that Stevie had spent all five dollars he had earned by helping his Dad fix up his brand-new bike, and all five dollars went into extra cookies (which were the main thing Biff was stealing). Stevie rose from his little chair, looked slightly downwards at Biff (whose late growth spurt only enhanced his tyrannous reign), and mildly demanded that he give them back. Obviously, Biff declined, and began to walk away. Stevie, feeling desperation at the sight of his dad's money in the form of delicous school baked-goods, leapt over the table, ran towards Biff and, with the strength of a nine year-old Ox, tackled him to the floor. Mid-tackle, Stevie was able to grab Biff's tray before landing, and slid forward with his prize. Of course, he knew Biff would kill him, so he scrambled to get his cookies and bolted to the nearest teacher for safety. The look    of awe and disbelief of the kids on both sides of the aisle was enough for Cal to remember that, even though he seems like a malnutritioned carrot, he's not someone to mess with for too long.