a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
Spencer's problem wasn't pride as much as it was a lack thereof. Spencer was easily always the smartest person in the room, but he was never boastful or prideful about it. He would comment on anything he could and tell you tidbits with amusement, but that wasn't pride. That was helpfulness. Pride would have been him shoving his ideas and knowledge and worth down your throat.
Instead, his ego begged for any attention that it could just to save it from drowning in negativity. He is more likely to expect criticism than compliments. So when Hotch pushes him again the door in his office and kisses him just the way Spencer had always imagined a kiss would feel like, he finds himself asking why. Why him? Why would Hotch want him?
His brain spirals downward. What if this is all to hurt him? What if this is to embarrass him? What are they doing? There's no way Hotch actually wants him. He returns to work and Hotch calls him back into the office.
"Reid, about yesterday," he says. Spencer waits for it. I cleaned my mouth out with acid when you left. It was my good deed for the day. I couldn't let you die without a first kiss. It was a dare. I can stay I've kissed the ugliest person I will ever kiss. "I like you, Reid. More than I should because of my position. If you are willing... I would like to see where this could go."
Spencer stares at him and tries to process the information. "Are you kidding?" Spencer asks. Hotch can see that he's not getting it. "Not at all," Hotch answers softly. "Why in the world would someone like you degrade yourself and be with someone like me?" Spencer asks honestly. "If you're desperate for affection, I understand but I would be willing to give you that without you needed to let anyone know."
Hotch is almost in shock. Does Spencer really think so low of his self? "I want you, Spencer. Your mind, your body, your mannerisms. Everything. I'd be proud to call you mine to anyone within earshot." Spencer sits down and considers what Hotch is saying. Of all the people Hotch has ever met, Spencer deserves to be prideful most of all.
"I... If you're sure. If you ever want out, just... I'll understand." Hotch shakes his head. It will take a long time to change Spencer's attitude about his self. He just hopes that Spencer's trust can overcome his lack of pride long enough to allow Hotch to change that.
The only thing about Spencer that Hotch would change is how he views his self. His ego. His pride. He deserves to be full of something other than self-loathing.