And no, it isn't a relative term. Haps the definition is debatable, but sheltered is not relative on its face. Law school was, in itself, three years of a critical reading classes. I think I understood your point.

In my experience, people who claim "oh, thank goodness I was soooo unsheltered!" are those who ate from the silver spoon more than they'd like to admit. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.