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Steve didn't graduate because of his dad. He graduated because he worked his ass off all the while dealing with the after effects of yet another encounter with the Upside Down, a broken heart, and suddenly becoming a single mom. Kudos to Steve for graduating on time and being a single mom. It's tough out there. And you know, those kids have better shown up with a large colorful poster board. Anyway, he's not stupid. He's just said and done stupid things. . . Haven't we all?
Bonus:
El not realizing it's a joke and just straight up calling Steve 'mama'. He doesn't have the heart to correct her. I mean, eventually, she does realize, but it's gone on too long that it's just become a habit.