Now, she's right to tell him he can’t compare himself to Derek. Anyone who is going to be with her has to just deal with the fact that they'll be No. 2 in her heart. But as to the first part, she says she didn't mean it. He knows better and it made him realize she doesn't respect him and his abilities because she's a better surgeon than he is. He can't be in a relationship like that (nor should he be, he deserves someone who feels about him the way Meredith feels about Derek).