How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from American Beauty.
Quote #1
LESTER: Both my wife and daughter think I'm this gigantic loser, and they're right.
Yeah, Lester and his family don't have the healthiest of dynamics at the beginning of the film. Or the middle of the film. Or the end of the film. However, Lester at least corrects the loser perception by taking charge of his life, but that brings on other behavior that puts him at odds with Carolyn and Jane.
Quote #2
FRANK: Yeah, yeah—but you said you're partners, so what's your business?
When Frank meets Jim and Jim, it takes him a little while to clue into the fact that they are a couple when they introduce themselves as "partners." Frank is not accepting of that kind of partnership/family, so it takes him a while to even acknowledge that it's in front of him.
Quote #3
FRANK: How come these f*****s always have to rub it in your face? How can they be so shameless?
When Frank finally clues in to the reality of Jim and Jim, he goes on a homophobic rant to Ricky. Ricky plays along to make him happy/calm, but he clearly doesn't agree. Later, we learn that Frank's talk is just that—all talk. He's trying to cover up the fact that he has same-sex leanings.